• The post you are reporting:
   
  Spookily there is a good article about workhouses in this month's BBC History Magazine. Will pass it on if anyone wants to read it. Also recommends places that can be visited.
  
  Provision of state-funded poor relief was crystallised in the 1601 Poor Relief Act.
  Although the institutions were termed "work-houses" they were originally more often than not, non-residential, offering handouts in return for work. In 1723 the Workhouse Test Act won parliamentary approval, and this embodied the principle that the prospect of the workhouse should act as a deterrent and that relief should only be available to those desperate enough to accept its regime.
  After 1834, if allowed into a workhouse, families would be assessed. Men and women separated, as were able-bodied and infirm. Those who were able to work did so for bed and board. Parents and children were allowed to meet briefly daily or on Sundays.

Report Post

Your Name

Reason