It is hard for us to appreciate now just how precarious life was in days gone by. Until the 19 th century, each parish supported its own poor, from the rates. In 1834, though, that changed with the passing of the Poor Law Act. This required 'Unions' of parishes to set up workhouses.
There was supposed to be an end to all relief given to those remaining in their own homes - though the Union officials rarely implemented this fully.
In the workhouse couples were split up; people ('inmates') had to wear uniform, and of course they had to work. Often the women would operate a laundry for the surrounding area, men would grow food and the very young and old would 'pick oakum' - that is, unravel ropes so that the threads could be re-used, often for caulking boats.
Finally, of course, came the curtain call that cannot be denied. Just as we are hatched and many are matched, in the end all are dispatched.
There are other guided tours round this site that you might like to take:
|
