Can you access 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.
Where was the workhouse in Newton Abbot?
The Newton Abbot Union workhouse was built in 1837 at a site on the south side of East Street in Newton Abbot. It was designed by George Gilbert Scott and his partner William Bonython Moffatt who were also the architects for other Devon workhouses at Bideford, Tavistock, and Tiverton.
Who ran the workhouses in England?
Although the commissioners were responsible for the regulatory framework within which the Poor Law Unions operated, each union was run by a locally elected board of guardians, comprising representatives from each of the participating parishes, assisted by six ex officio members.
What was life like for a child in the workhouse?
However, most children in a workhouse were orphans. Everyone slept in large dormitories. It was common for girls to sleep four to a bed. Every day for three hours, children were expected to have lessons in reading, writing, arithmetic and Christian religion.
What food did they eat in the workhouse?
The main constituent of the workhouse diet was bread. At breakfast it was supplemented by gruel or porridge — both made from water and oatmeal (or occasionally a mixture of flour and oatmeal). Workhouse broth was usually the water used for boiling the dinner meat, perhaps with a few onions or turnips added.
Where was Newton in Makerfield in the past?
In 1835 Newton in Makerfield was a township in the parish of Winwick. You can see the administrative areas in which Newton in Makerfield has been placed at times in the past. Select one to see a link to a map of that particular area.
What is the old name of Makerefeld?
Makeresfeld, 1205, 1351; Makefeld, 1206; Makerefeld, 1213; Makerfeld, 1242; the last is the prevailing form. (fn. 1) This township is usually called Newton in Makerfield or Newton le Willows, to distinguish it from other places of the name.
What is the history of Newton?
Newton, from its position on a great road, half way between Warrington and Wigan, and from its feudal dignity as the head of a hundred and then of the fee of Makerfield, has long been a place of importance. A borough was formed and a market and fairs were granted.
Where were workhouses in England in 1731?
Pemberton had a workhouse from 1731, as did Wigan and Ashton-in-Makerfield from the following year ( Hitchcock, 1985 ). A parliamentary report of 1777 recorded local workhouses in operation in Wigan (for up to 200 inmates), Dalton (20), Pemberton (60), and Standish with Langtree (40).