How do I find workhouse records?

Visit The Workhouse website to access extensive information about workhouses. The ‘records and resources’ section may help you find out which local archives hold workhouse records.

What were the workhouses in England like?

The workhouse was home to 158 inhabitants – men, women and children – who were split up and forbidden from meeting. Those judged too infirm to work were called the “blameless” and received better treatment but the rest were forced into tedious, repetitive work such as rock breaking or rope picking.

What was the most popular workhouse in 1557?

The most popular workhouse was the BRIDEWELL WORKHOUSE (1557) in London which was built for the employment and housing of English prisoners.

Where is St John Horsleydown in London?

Southwark St John Horsleydown was a small parish on the south bank of the River Thames in London, opposite the Tower of London. The name Horsleydown, apparently derived from the “horse lie-down” next to the river, is no longer used. The parish was created by splitting St Olave’s parish in 1733. In…

Where did the name Horsleydown come from?

The name Horsleydown, apparently derived from the “horse lie-down” next to the river, is no longer used. The parish was created by splitting St Olave’s parish in 1733.

Who was the architect of St John Horsleydown?

The design was by Nicholas Hawksmoor and John James, the two surveyors to the commission. In May 1727 they had been asked to draw up plans for a church costing, including its enclosure and parsonage, no more than £10,000, much less than Hawksmoor’s previous churches.

When was the last baptism at St John Horsleydown?

The last baptism was held in the church in 1960. In 1964 a further amalgamation of parishes saw St Olave and St John’s included in the parish of St Mary Magdalen with St Olave, St John and St Luke, Bermondsey. In 1968 the church was closed, and the 1956 rebuilding scheme rescinded.