What happened to babies born in the workhouse?

Children in the workhouse who survived the first years of infancy may have been sent out to schools run by the Poor Law Union, and apprenticeships were often arranged for teenage boys so they could learn a trade and become less of a burden to the rate payers.

Who made the first workhouse?

Built to accommodate around 158 inmates, the operation of Southwell workhouse was widely viewed as a model example of what the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act had set out to achieve in terms of frugality. Designed by the Reverend John T Becher, Southwell was built in 1824 and run by the Thurgarton Incorporation.

What was it like in a workhouse?

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 did Peter Higginbotham do in the workhouse?

I have also presented many talks on subjects such as the workhouse, children’s homes, the history of the prison etc. Quite separate from my historical researches, I have written several pieces for the stage including Steam Radio (an affectionate parody of Brief Encounter) and Making Ends Meet (set in the world’s most unsuccessful dating agency).

Who is the creator of the workhouse website?

Hello, I’m Peter Higginbotham, the creator of this web site. I first became interested in workhouses while researching my family history. I discovered that my great-great-grandfather had died in a workhouse and that his death had been registered by the matron.

Who are some famous people who visited workhouses?

Visits to Workhouses includes over fifty first-hand accounts of visits to workhouses and their related establishments by journalists, inspectors, campaigners, ‘social explorers’, and authors such as Charles Dickens. Their reports often reveal fascinating detail about these institutions and the lives of their inmates. More details… .

Where are the workhouse sites in the UK?

At Bristol workhouse site with Neil Kinnock for BBC Wales’ ‘Coming Home’. At York workhouse site with Una Stubbs for BBC TV’s Who Do You Think You Are?. At Neath workhouse site with Michael Sheen on BBC Wales’ ‘Coming Home’. With John Humphrys for BBC Wales’ Coming Home.