Workhouse Guestbook 2004
Thanks for visiting The Workhouse web-site at www.workhouses.org.uk. You are welcome to add an entry to the guestbook.There was a technical fault on the guest book facility during May (now fixed) and most of the entries were lost - sincere apologies to all those concerned.
Peter Higginbotham
UK - 2004-05-26 22:07
Many thanks for providing a fascinating website. I came across the Stanhope workhouse while researching my family tree, however I now realise that I have taken photographs of the wrong building. On your Weardale page, you say that the Stanhope workhouse was errected in 1866-7. My wife's ancestor, John Waggot was Master of the Poor House in the 1820s. Do you have any records of where the poor house was located in the 1820s? Stanhope, Durham is not even listed on your parish pages.
unknown
UK - 2004-05-11 22:01
This would have to be one of the best sites I have visited since starting on the quest of family history eighteen months ago. There is a mine of information in there and is presentedin such an interesting way that you have to keep reading on. The site was recommended by a member of the Glasgow mailing list. The reason I am interested in the Poorshouses is that my Grandfather was reportedly in a "home" when his mother died in 1895 in Glasgow. I have written to such places as Barnado's but am told that since he was 14 at that point that it is highly unlikely that he would have gone there. The next obvious place to try was the Poorhouse documentation on the web. Have now emailed the Mitchell Library to see if they can help. Congrautlaitons! I will cetainly be recommending your site.
ruth conner <ruthsconner@bigpond.com.au>
sydney, nsw australia - 2004-04-27 04:36
A credit to all the hard graft that has been put into this piece of work An impressive achievement congratulations
Gill Rice <gilliandavies@lineone.net>
Ruthin, Wales UK - 2004-04-26 20:35
Great website. Thanks so much for sharing all your work. I am looking for the family of John William (Sr.) Batkin, who I am informed entered Greenwich Union Workhouse in November of 1892. His son, my great grandfather, John William (Jr.) Batkin entered the care of Barnardo's at that time, and subsequently came to Canada as a British Home Child. I would like to trace the families of John Jr.'s siblings: Caroline, Maurice & Florence.
Dianne <birchalls2003@yahoo.ca>
London, Ontario Canada - 2004-04-26 10:18
As a very young child (3years)I was taken into care by the then Cumberland authorities in Whitehaven in 1951. I was in the workhouse at Meadow View Whitehaven for a while and then moved to Greenhill near Wigton. Where can I find more detailed information as to exact dates and duration of stay?
Edwin Dinsdale <edwindinsdale4@msn.com>
Dunfermline, Fife Scotland UK - 2004-04-25 21:05
I was looking for any members of our family (cinnamond) and came across this fantastic site your hard work is very much appreciated. I have been visiting for over a month and I well and truly hooked WELL DONE and THANK YOU LYN C>
Lyn Cinnamond <lyn.lencinnamond@btopenworld.com>
Liverpool, UK - 2004-04-24 22:36
I am trying to find information regarding my grandmother Ellen Nash who gave birth to my Mother in Chelsea Workhouse 31/05/1904. The only other information on the birth certificate is that she was a domestic servant living at 1 Moore Street, Chelsea. Does anyone out there have any info on Chelsea Workhouse and lists of inmates or know what happened to them after giving birth?
Susan Sears <kayhemingway@lowerfield.fsnet.co.uk>
UK - 2004-04-24 22:07
I found your website very interesting, and also helpful for an essay that I was writing at the time when I first viewed this website. Thank You
Karis Allen
UK - 2004-04-24 16:13
Fred was born in Huddersfield in 1894 and was taken into the care of the Poor Law Guardians at Christmas 1899. He was then in the Workhouse for a short period, followed by some time at an orphanage, and then out in service. In 1909, aged about 15 years, he emigrated to Australia. I think it obvious that he would not have had the money to pay his fare and must have gone on an assisted passage, possibly in conjunction with the Poor Law Guardians. He was still in their care until the age of eighteen. Does anyone know of such an arrangment and where I might find details of the scheme and possibly records ?
Roger Harpin <harpin@fish.co.uk>
Brighouse, West Yorkshire UK - 2004-04-23 18:45
Enjoyed reading your site. My G Grandma Elizabeth Williamson and her two children were in Union Workhouse in Docking according to the 1891 census. Frederick was 7 born docking and his sister Alice was 3 born docking. Elizabeth was 27. another daughter later but don't know her name. Someone said old workhouse at Burnstalk. don't know England at all so can't find out any more. keep up the good work and thank you.
Valerie Basso <vbasso@telus.net>
Penticton , Brtish Columbia Canada - 2004-04-23 15:41
Fantastic site. Does anyone know anything about Charles (dob 1870) Elizabeth (dob1867) and Lottie (dob 1872) - family name: Bunce? They were all born Hurstbourne Priors and at 1881 census they were in the Andover Workhouse. My Great grandfather (father's mother's father) was Ambrose Bunce of Andover and I'd like to know if their's a fmily connection.
Doreen White <mike.doreenwhite@ntlworld.com>
Bicester, Oxfordshire UK - 2004-04-19 16:52
Congratulations on an excellent website - particularly liked your photos of Bawnboy workhouse in Ireland. We have just been to visit my great uncle in Bawnboy, Ireland. We looked around the workhouse there several years ago and found it fascinating - there are even the original painted door-names 'women's infirmary' etc., fireplace, privys, beautiful glass in the chapel windows etc. In one room there were raised wooden platforms, presumably where the 'inmates' slept. Unfortunately it is now inaccesible being dangerous to walk around (there are holes in the floors) and becoming overgrown. My mother remembers going to the chapel there and also to technical college there in the 1940's. We asked the locals what was happening to it and despite the fact that they all felt it should be preserved as a museum or monument, most felt that it was probably going to be left to fall down. It would need millions to restore now and maintain. Such a shame as it has been left intact and is a very evocative place. It could be a great museum, for tourists and school parties. It is so extensive that part of it could be used for accommodation. My daughter was so impressed with it that she's going to write to Bill Gates to see if he can help! (Not holding out too much hope but will let you know if anything develops).
Sophie <moandco@ntlworld.com>
Cambridge, Cambs UK - 2004-04-18 10:18
A great site! I found it extremely useful when researching workhouses in my local area, and I would recommend this site to anyone who is remotely interested in the poor law and workhouse system. Well done!
Dan Spencer <Dan@rjdspencer.freeserve.co.uk>
Leicester, Leics UK - 2004-04-15 20:26
i have a birmingham workhouse penny same as shown. it belonged to my great great grandmother who i believe died in birmingham workhouse. i often wondered its use now i know. thank you its a great site.
hannah parker <patclews@yahoo.co.uk>
rhyl, clwyd UK - 2004-04-14 12:53
Brilliant site, found by chance when researching teaching material for school and found it hard to leave as so much to read!! Congrats for such a good , easy to use site. Thanks.
paul davison <pjdavison38@aol.com>
dover, kent UK - 2004-04-11 23:46
Very interesting site, a very good read and informative. Thanks
Patricia Keely <pattyjkeely@aol.com>
Hailsham, East Sussex UK - 2004-04-11 18:11
Hi Peter just having a trawl around the 'net while I listen to Bob Harris. I've just got two of my ancestor's workhouse death certs-- Benjamin Mullet, carpenter, died 1840 aged 85 in Cerne Union Workhouse 1840. Also John Horan, journeyman plasterer, died in Smithdown Road, Toxteth Union aged 50 in 1865 of Fever(Certified). These both made me feel sad because they both had skills and were probably worked at building both workhouses. The fever was probably Cholera as there was an epidemic at the time. Benjamin Mullet was brought up on Parish relief by his widowed mother, while John Horan escaped the famine in Ireland only to die young in Liverpool. Any advice on where I can find any records on either of these workhouses would be greatly appreciated. Love from a BIG fan!
Gill <gilliananne.thompson@ntlworld.com>
Worthing, UK - 2004-04-10 22:18
Your Brighton section only refers to the Workhouse in Elm Grove and not the earlier workhouse on Church Hill (1822 - 1867) or the parish poorhouse in Brighton's Market Street (1720 - 1822). If you would like my version of that information to be placed on file, I will willingly send it as an attachment. Roy Grant
Roy Grant <jzg@bigfoot.com>
Brighton, Sussex UK - 2004-04-10 09:21
very interesting website...congrats
s.hunter <s.hunter@public-files.de>
UK - 2004-04-04 14:09
Great site, thanks for all the hard work you have put into it, for people like me. I would like to know if there were records kept of the people who died in the Workhouses of Great Britain. If so, can they be accessed online. Just reading that my GG'grandmother died in the Ashton-under-Lyne Workhouse, 1886. Thanks Phyllis
Phyllis Pearson <lnpptc@maxnet.co.nz>
Paeroa, New Zealand - 2004-03-31 11:24
i think your site is very helpfull for school work and intresring facts people should no about the history of there country it is a easy site to use for the people who do not normaly use to find out infromation keep up the good work hi everyone
toni steels <sexytoni_ismybabe@hotmail.com>
leeds, UK - 2004-03-31 10:52
This would have to be one of the best laid out and easy to navigate, and informative sites that I have come accross, a credit to Peter in his endless searches for information to add to the site, and his dedication to a topic of history that should be kept alive. Well done Peter..a true credit to you. Frank.
Frank Holleran <milligan@paradise.net.nz>
Lyttelton, South Island New Zealand - 2004-03-31 04:30
I was wondering if anyone could help my 3 gen gran Emily Gilbert/jelbert? was a resident at the Madron workhouse Penzance in 1869/1870 her son Richard was born therein 1871 But i can not find any records i have searched and searched. Can anyone give me a few hints?I would be very gratefull i can not go back any further without the info. Regards Maggie Jilbert-Watkins
Maggie Jilbert-Watkins <mjw@jilbert.fslife.co.uk>
Andover, UK - 2004-03-30 16:04
I had a history essay to write and i spent hours searching the net for infomation an workhouses. Then i fount this site and it had every thing i need to write my essay.
Aaron Sharpe <workhouses@a-sharpe.co.uk>
Bradford, West yorkshire UK - 2004-03-27 17:21
have used your site in the research of my family that was in the workhouse in Oulton nr lowestoft wonderful for the finer details of the house well done and thanks
j moore
lowestoft , suffolk UK - 2004-03-26 11:08
I have just discovered that my GT.GT Grandfather was the superintendant of the Mitcham Workhouse in the year 1830. Unfortunately I can't now find any records. Is there anyone out there who has been able to find them. Hopeful Cindy
Cindy Howlett <gillcinrusset@aol.com>
southampton, UK - 2004-03-25 14:56
Superb - I stumbled here accidentally and seem to have lost a couple of hours
Chris
Leicester, UK - 2004-03-25 00:56
Ellen Paris 1862-1925 born in Bradfield. Can anyone help me, this is my great Aunt, and she was in the Basinstoke Union workhouse on the 1881 census. I found out on another site that she died in 1925 in Basing-Chowderys Down House. Is this another workhouse, does anyone know? Also would anyone know how I could find out if she had a baby and that's why she was in there?? really stuck would appreciate any help anyone could give. Thanks Ann
Ann Paris <annparis1@yahoo.co.uk>
Basildon, Essex UK - 2004-03-22 17:52
Excellent site. Thanks for all the information and hard work.
Elaine <none>
USA - 2004-03-22 16:30
The site is a very good piece of research and we must remember the hard times these people had and those who were so beneficial to their welfare to give these people some dignity in life. In Romford Dr.Harold Upward regularly went to the workhouse to tend to patients without asking for a fee and he was a very nice person, whose son, Edwrad, grew up to be a famous writer with even more famous friends like Christopher Isherwood. Alas last year the old workhouse was pulled down by developers who have put up an awful temporary building so it can be removed later when they fiunish building the new hospital nearby on other land. If there are any Romford people reading this, please help to get the old Hospital buildings listed in case they suffer the same way. It is these predators who build for financial gain that are doing the damage tomour countries heritage and aided by local authorities who do not care and have some officers who are unmentionable in what they are and what they do.
Keith Langridge <keith.langridge@ntlworld.com>
Romford, Essex UK - 2004-03-21 16:24
i dont know how i came across this site.......i was looking to rent a caravan in norfolk!!!.however it brought back memories of when i left home in 1965 to seek my fortune in would you believe WOLVERHAMPTON. I remember staying for a few nights at NEW CROSS RECEPTION CENTRE as i think it was called then.looking at your site it appears that i may have been one of the last people in there. i am glad my experience in there was not 50 yrs or more earlier good site....... i will look in again
brian hall <bhall44782@aol.com>
hastings, east sussex UK - 2004-03-21 15:26
I've been looking for a long time for Griffiths ton work house and stumbled on your site by accident it's brilliant and has renewed my enthusiasm to delve further.
Paul W Briffitt <paul.Briffitt@tesco.net>
Eastbourne, UK - 2004-03-18 14:03
this is a great website telling me a lot of great facts about the workhouse
Ian Orwin <ianrules@btopenworld.com>
Sunderland, tyne and wear UK - 2004-03-18 10:52
I have just found my Greatgrandmother on 1871 census in Lewisham 3 george terrace if anyone would like the names of the other little girls also there. The matron name was susan Ackerman aged 24. regards julia
julia emery <halfpint27223670@aol.com>
colchester, essex UK - 2004-03-18 04:56
when driving along the A140 from ipswich to norwich just north of pulham crossroads there is a little bell hanging above the chapel of the old pulham workhouse
a n other <none>
norwich, norfolk UK - 2004-03-17 16:46
Had already mentioned my interest in this site, but then had a further look and discovered more details of the actual workhouse my gt.grandmother & her children were in, Stoke on Trent, found it really fascinating, and could well imagine what it must have been like for them, my g.father was only 7yr old when they were there in 1881, so it must have been veery frightening for him I imagine, no wonder he never spoke of those times or later when they were shipped off to Canada! I forgot to mention their names in previous message (was so excited at finding info!) Un fortunately it took a long time to trace them in the 1881 census because the spelling for their name had been altered in the workhouse inmates list from Geoghan/Geoghagan, to Gaghan. finally changed again when sent to Canada to Gagan, no wonder I took so long to find them!! Anyone else recognise this name? Grace Gagan married in Ontario to August Gartland in 1894, Laura Gagan was in 1891 still in domestic service with Catherine Hayes, g.father Stephen left Canada in 1900 with wife Mabel (Grant) and daughter Laura Maud Gagan b.1896 again, what a great site, I am still exploring and finding items of interest. Family history on late husband`s side, has uncovered quite a few ancestors, born/died in various workhouses, so will be busy now looking for them.
Maud Jarvis <mj006d8071@blueyonder.co.uk>
Thurrock, Essex UK - 2004-03-16 15:08
What an interstin site, I am quite curious about what luife would have been like in the workhouse. In researching my family, I found out that my gt.granmother & her children were in the Stoke on Trent w/house in 1881, in 1885 my g.father (then aged 11) was sent with his sisters to Ontario in Canada, where he met & married my g.mother, I am now in process of trying to trace relations who are still in Canada. My g.parents left Canada in 1900 & went to Scotland, but his sisters were still in Ontario, so it is quite exciting now to try and find out what it must have been like for them in the w/house (and also why they did not want to reveal anything about that part of their life) Poor souls they were obviously so ashamed by their experience. I still have to find out why their father was not with them in the w/house, have so far been unable to find out what happened to him. Of course its possible he may have left them? and also he had originally come from Ireland, perhaps he went back there? who knows, but hopefully one day all will be revealed! Does anyone else visiting this site know of any ancestors who were in Stoke on Trent w/house?
Maud Jarvis <mj006d8071@blueuonder.co.uk>
Thurrock, Essex UK - 2004-03-16 13:49
Great Site. My mom told me her grandfathers' family was in a poor house. Now I'm taking her serious and looking them up. Keep up the great work of educating us.
Joyce <BooJoGranny@yahoo.com>
Buffalo, New York USA - 2004-03-12 16:08
This is really good and has all da info I need 4 my history project! In fact I might just Copy and paste!! Jst jking. Really gd webby tho!
Hollie
UK - 2004-03-09 16:00
You are by now, well aware that this is an excellent site! I am interested in children who were 'sold' from the St Pancras workhouse, to various people in Bermuda. This was late 1849 and 1850, when at least three trips by the bark 'James' conveyed upwards of 50 young children to these islands in the Atlantic, to work ostensibly as servants to the rich. I am searching Government papers in the PRO and wonder in anyone out there has any knowledge of this 'traffic' or has any details of this Middlesex workhouse during the mid 19th century?
John McQuaid <j.mquaid@ntlworld.com>
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire UK - 2004-03-09 15:38
My Grandma and her sister and two brothers were sent to Salford workhouse about 1883.I can find record of her brother Thomas being there in the 1901 census and the youngest brother was boarded out to a family nearby.However I have been unsucessful in tracing her sister Martha Francis Boardman born around 1872.This is a great site . Thanks Ann
ann jones <jonesy01@canoemail.com>
toronto, ontario canada - 2004-03-09 11:02
BELLS for any details about workhouse bells either still in situ or where they are now the address of the weekly journal read by bellringers both in the uk and abroad is The Editor, The Ringing World, Eagleside House, 7-9 Chantry Street, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 1DE. Bells are found in many situations not only in church towers but elsewhere such as on trinity house buoys at sea for instance. The present editor of The Ringing World who is Robert Lewis lives in the old Andover workhouse now not in the original spartan conditions but modernised. There is no sign of the bell unless someone can supply him with the information. All bells are of interest to bellringers so send him any information about bells of former workhouses that you may know of perhaps leading to an article in the journal.
tony hopkins <none>
diss, norfolk UK - 2004-03-08 15:33
Iam looking for information on hm stanley north wales round about 1989 when my daughter was born there.i would love to have information or pictures to show her.if any one knows anything about the hospital or the staff that worked there please let me know on my e-mail address thanks...
carol scott <cazzie712000@yahoo.com.uk>
manchester, UK - 2004-03-07 19:52
very good as a basis for learning about the topic. I have learnt alot from my lecturer and seminar tutor eric evans and this site has backed up what he has said. It will be a basis for my dissertation
Sally
Lancaster, UK - 2004-03-07 12:01
This site was very useful for a project needed to be done on life in the workhouses - it gives a wide list of information.
Hollie
UK - 2004-03-06 19:50
Hi Can anyone give me any pointers on how to trace people who were in the workhouse.Also any sources on men from the Boer War and the First world War.Great Site . thanks a lot Ann
ann jones <jonesy01@canoemail.com>
toronto, ontario canada - 2004-03-05 20:55
Thanks for a great site. In tracing my family tree I've found family members who died in a workhouse (usually Bagthorpe, Nottingham now the site of the hospital in which I was born) and one who worked in the workhouse at Wangford in Suffolk. I now know much more about the life they would have led - thanks again.
Phil Allen <p.allen@btinternet.com>
Suffolk UK - 2004-03-02 16:23
Does anyone know if and where there are any records for 1896 Craiglockhart, Edinburgh. I would appreciate any info at all. Have been trying to find out for some time now but always hit a brick wall. Thanks for letting me post a message. This is a well-worth site.
Jessie Meaklim <jmeaklim@hotmail.com>
Melbourne, UK - 2004-03-01 10:33
What a great site keeps you occupied for hours. Gt Grandmother Sarah Whitford died at Fusehill Carlisle 1884 leaving six young children, wonder what happened to them for the next few years? Isn't it suprising how many folks have relatives with a history of workhouses in the family. Best Wishes for more success. - Alan
Alan Whitford <whitfords@supanet.com>
Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk UK - 2004-02-28 20:09
i am still trying to find information about carnegie park orphanage port glasgow.and also auchentorlie house paisley any help however small would be most apprieciated.thankyou christine
christine wood <wochris9@aol.com>
UK - 2004-02-25 18:42
BELLS could everyone who has knowledge of workhouse bells probably a single one in a turret on or near each workhouse building send details of the size weight who cast it perhaps a leading bellfounder and whether still in situ or where located at the present time also any inscription on each bell for example that from blything/bulcamp workhouse is in the Halesworth Suffolk museum at Halesworth railway station - the editor of the Ringing World at Andover Hampshire might include any details you give in this weekly paper read avidly throughout the world by church bellringers a good photograph would be especially of interest to all
tony hopkins <none>
diss, norfolk UK - 2004-02-25 16:01
Great site I was born 30 Twickenham Road Isleworth Middlesex 1937 I think this may have been the address of the Workhouse can anyone confirm this would be greatful
margaret townsend <pegruff@ntlworld.com>
epsom, surrey UK - 2004-02-22 11:06
Thanks for the Information, it really helped me out with one of my college assignments concerning the Poor Law
Mike
St. Helens, UK - 2004-02-19 16:42
What a wonderful and well researched site, and great photos. Those who are looking at schools for the working poor should visit www.hitchinbritishschools.org.uk and see the British Schools Museum, Hitchin UK - which has the only surviving Lancasterian Schoolroom in the world. Better still, visit in person. They provide a search of their 19th Century school registers for pupils' names. brsch@britishschools.freeserve.co.uk .
Terry Ransome <t.ransome@btopenworld.com>
Hitchin, Hertfordshire UK - 2004-02-17 10:26
I used to work as a secretary in St. Andrew's Hospital. I love the old photographs and remember the old buildings, although we worked in the new part of the hospital. Many people working there said the place was haunted, I bet it was with so many unfortunate people there. I hope things have changed in our homes for the elderly but I suspect not much.
MARGARET HOFMAN <margietrubrit@aol.com>
CANTERBURY, UK - 2004-02-16 23:36
I am currently studying history at school, with a big topic on the workhouses and I must say this site is absolutely brilliant and full of loads of facts!!I found it really interesting reading it and being able to see workhouses where I live and all around the country.I have learnt loads of extra facts too! Thanks a lot for making this web site...its excellent!!
Anna
UK - 2004-02-15 18:45
My late father George Maddison was bought up in the cottage homes between 1924 and 1936. he moved to northamptonshire before joining the army in 1937 If anyone knows any relative pleaes let me know I have looked at the school and logs of the cottages homes but can find no lists of names of residents etc there may be some on the next census release
philip maddison <phildmaddison@yahoo.co.uk>
northampton, UK - 2004-02-15 18:09
great site mgbada
brucemugu <bruce banner @yahoo.com>
london, uk UK - 2004-02-14 11:20
I can't tell you how educational this trip around the workhouses has been for me. I appreciate exactly how hard it must have been for people like my great grandfather. Joseph Hardwick who died in Union Infirmary Chesterfield in 1922. the buildings are magnificent to look at. I very much doubt I will ever be able to tour them personally, this internet is amazing, I can travel to England and not leave my house here in Australia Thankyou yet again I really appreciate what I have in my life nowdays.
Geniene Prater <praterfam@bigpond.com>
UK - 2004-02-11 13:54
very intreesting site. well laid out, shame some things won't print though. all i got was the contents strip down the side. still interesting.
glenna medhurst <pigletpenny27@yahoo.com>
grays, essex UK - 2004-02-11 13:12
[Try right-clicking on the main page and choosing Print from the pop-up men. PH]
Thanks for this interesting site. My grandfather Ernest Arthur Cross spent many years in the Ware Workhouse with his brother Edwin "Fred", both placed there by a father who took off and they never saw him again. He raised a family with another woman and his mother disppeared too. These boys weren't orphans but abandoned. Grandpa was 3 when I found him there on the 1881 Census. What a sad life for 2 small boys! At 14 he came to Canada as a Home Child but never told his family about his awful childhood except for a small slip made to one of his son's & I followed up on that & found the Ware Workhouse. I went there & took photos in 1991. Grandpa was a warm hearted person but must have had some terrible memories that he kept to himself. He died in 1974 never revealing anything. I wish that he could have shared his memories with his family. One day I hope to locate the family of his brother. After coming to Canada he lost track of his brother.
Marion Cross Smith <marionsmith@sympatico.ca>
Toronto, Ontario Canada - 2004-02-08 19:15
My gt. gt. grandmother died in Newington Workhouse, aged 27 Harriet Pocknell (nee Slade) I cannot believe how informative your site is, and how easy it is to use, plus all the links. It really explains workhouses and life then, in easy to read terms. Thank you. Elaine.
Elaine Russell <glen.russell2@btopenworld.com>
Coventry, UK - 2004-02-07 22:57
Your web-site is wonderful. I've never seen such an informative and well-organised historical site, and I've learned a great deal from it. My great-great-grandfather and his wife were Master and Matron of the Chipping Sodbury Union in the 1850's. I was pleased to see that the buildings still exist. On the other hand, I was sorry to learn that the Oswestry workhouse building, at Morda, has been largely demolished. I remember the building, and was in it once when it was an old persons home in the 1960's. Not a cheerful place then either!
Isabel Bullen
Westport, Connecticut USA - 2004-02-03 23:11
i think this website is amazingly fantazmagorcal
hugh
UK - 2004-02-03 14:38
Hi, I love this site. Most of my family were very poor, and it has been interesting although very demoralising to find out that most of my family were in the workhouses. However, i am very greatful that the site has brought to my attention the struggles that my family faced. Thank you very much. xxxxx
tim bottomley <king_timmo@hotmail.com>
Taunton, Somerset UK - 2004-02-02 15:31
I agree with everyone who says how good this site is. My grandparents were Master & Matron at several Wrokhouses between 1890 and 1931. I would love to hear from anyone who has more info. about the Workhouses at Keighley, Yorkshire; Lancaster; Chepstow, monmouthshire; and/or Boston, Lincs. Perhaps you have some ancestors who passed on memories, or you have found something while doing your own family research. Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me.
C.Loyd <Catharine 249@ lloydc10.fsnet.co.uk>
UK - 2004-01-29 18:41
It was very interesting to see the Llanfyllin workhouse where my gt.gt.gf.Thomas Howells of Llanerfyl died in 1913.
eric loudon <eric.loudon1@ntlworld.com>
birkenhead, UK - 2004-01-25 20:14
Someone asked for a happy story. A friend told me that someone in her family, in 19th century Cornwall, had a family and another child was expected and there was no longer room for his old father, who lived with them, in his house. So his father's bag was packed and they set out for the workhouse which was at the top of a hill. Half way up tthe old man was tired ao they sat by the side of the road. The old man said to his son 'I don't blame you for putting me in the workhouse. I can remember stopping at this exact spot for my father to rest when I was taking him up to this same workouse when we no longer had room for him.' His son picked up his father's bag and started walking back the way they had come, saying to his father 'I'm not going to let this business keep repeating itself, father. We'll make room for you somehow, at home!'
Jean <jcn@lineone.net>
UK - 2004-01-25 18:00
Hi Peter I've just found out my 5x great grandfather Benjamin Mullet died in Cerne Union workhouse in 1840. Looking at your page, it looks possible he died of Typhus. He was 85 when he died. He must have gone to the workhouse following the death of his wife Mary in 1833. He was buried in Fordington St. George where he married Mary Woodford, and most of his children still lived. I also found Benjamin and his widowed mother Lydia on poor relief in the parish of Buckland Newton in the 1760's. Now I'm hooked on the Poor Law!
Gill Thompson <gilliananne.thompson@ntlworld.com>
Worthing, West Sussex UK - 2004-01-25 09:10
In history we have been studying the Stokesley workhouse. your website says that no records survive of the inhabitants of the work house. we have details of who was living there in 1881 would you like these to be added to your website? if so contact stokesley school and ask for mrs beadow.
Ben Wilson <ben_fool11@yahoomail.co.uk>
Middlesbrough, UK - 2004-01-23 10:04
Thank you for such an interesting site which I have arrived at through a series of links. I haven't had time to look through it all, but have bookmarked it for future reference. A lot of time and effort has gone into it. Well done.
LS <LadyL364@aol.com>
UK - 2004-01-22 23:34
I studying Self Help at the moment and can't beleive how lucky I am to have found your site. This is just the place to direct me to further research. Thanks so much.
Shirley Bullock <mail@esembe6.fsnet.co.uk>
Sleaford, Lincs UK - 2004-01-22 21:48
Really enjoyed this site. My grandfather William Edward Parry and his sister Gladys were from Aston Union Workhouse. They were home children sent to New Brunswick, Canada in 1911. They are a part of my family I knew nothing about (my mother was adopted -- daughter of william). Enjoyed touring the website and getting a feeling for what part of thier life must have been like -- lots of interesting information. Shared the school schedule and outline of their diet with my children. Will visit again, thanks.
Patricia Rogers <pjrogers@magma.com>
ottawa, Ontario Canada - 2004-01-21 21:44
hi i would like any info on diion and ormsby they came over from ireland in the1 1800s i carnt say were but if anyone can help please my great great grantmother mary ann was a mccafferty her fatherwas owen her mother was ann thats ormsby robert and jane were dillon
linda rowland <louloubelllucas@hotmail.com>
devon, UK - 2004-01-16 23:09
Excellent site, very educaional and well put together
Stephen Wiltshire <steve@belverdere.fsbusiness.co.uk>
NORTHOLT, MIDDX UK - 2004-01-16 15:54
I stumbled here whilst looking for info on the now demolished Atherleigh hospital which was a previous workhouse. My Aunt died there when already a hospital but the family lied to her about where she was such was the stigma in the town associated with the place, beautiful building though, I am sad it is demolished. I also worked as a student nurse at Whiston Hospital, one elderly lady and possibly more had lived there all their lives. This one lady had a baby out of wedlock, I could find no mention of what happened to the child but the lady had a 'feeble mind' and never left, so sad, so very sad, although she will be long gone now I still think of her. Thank you for a brilliant and comprehensive site.
Angela Treanor <rusky35@hotmail.com>
Perth, WA Australia - 2004-01-13 12:34
I love this it is brilliant and explains in great and efficient detail how the people would use 2 liv. wot a day now too yes was now good web page. well done.
Alan richard richardson <alanrr@aol.com>
mankhester, lanchoshire UK - 2004-01-13 09:15
v. gud i am looking at this in a history class and i've found a workhouse which is now very i live. gud job!
holly
UK - 2004-01-09 10:12
A fantastic site Peter. I am humbled both by your work, and the memory of the people who endured life in the workhouse. I suspect that my granddad spent time in the workhouse although I have yet to prove it. If he did, then in my eyes he was a great man.Thank you once again Peter. Terry.
Terry Brooks <terrybrooks@ntlworld>
Manchester, UK - 2004-01-08 00:07
For US readers 
Unless otherwise indicated, this page () is copyright Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.