Workhouse

The true stories of those who lived in, ran or investigated the institutions that dominated lives for 250 years.

Workhouses in Britain cast terrifying shadows over ordinary lives, especially after the New Poor Law Act of 1834 laid down that ‘going indoors’ should be the main form of poor relief available. This popular history explores the reality behind the legend, drawing on personal stories such as that of the anonymous ‘Indoor Pauper’, investigations and reports, contemporary ballads and even graffiti to bring the institution vividly to life. Tales of individual workhouses, from all parts of the country, are interwoven with rarely seen documents and images from the National Archives as well as a wealth of local sources.

Workhouse considers all aspects of institutional life, from the homes of masters and mistresses to wards for orphans and vagrants. It reveals fascinating everyday details such as the dietary, routine and clothing, as well as examining the effect of the workhouse experience on individual lives. It shows how workhouses featured in literature, from Dickens to Orwell, were condemned by celebrities such as Florence Nightingale, and yet became deeply rooted in their communities. For those interested in researching further – including their own pauper ancestors – the book includes a full guide to sources.

Reviews:
'I cannot praise this book enough' - The School Librarian
'...It will bring enjoyment to a wide range of readers' - Family History Monthly

Contents:
• Workhouse origins
• Accommodating the poor
• The staff
• The able-bodied poor
• Pauper children ‘at home’
• The old and infirm
• Vagrants and casuals
• Out-relief and the end of the system
• Conclusion; Workhouse museums; Researching workhouse ancestors; Bibliography and sources; Index

Author:
Simon Fowler is editor of the genealogy magazine Ancestors and writes widely on family and social history topics. Previous books include the successful Family Skeletons (2005) with Ruth Paley, as well as The Joys of Family History and several of the National Archives’ prestigious Pocket Guide history series. His articles have been published widely in popular history magazines including BBC History and History Today.