The Workhouse: The People, the Places, the Life Behind Doors

by Simon Fowler

Book Overview

'The stories of those who lived in the shadow of the workhouse'

During the nineteenth century the workhouse cast a shadow over the lives of the poor. The destitute and the desperate sought refuge within its forbidding walls. And it was an ever-present threat if poor families failed to look after themselves properly. As a result a grim mythology has grown up about the horrors of the 'house' and the mistreatment meted out to the innocent pauper...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1783831510
• ISBN13: 9781783831517
• Release Date: November 2014
• Publisher: Pen and Sword History
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

No one stood up for the paupers

THE WORKHOUSE by Simon Fowler In the nineteenth century, if you were poor, had given birth to an illegitimate child, or were unable to take care of yourself, you could be placed in a workhouse or voluntarily go there. It was not a pleasant place to be. Corruption ran rampant among the wardens and people in charge of the inmates. They would siphon off funds and even food or clothing meant for the most destitute of the population and sell off the products so that they would be able to live a gluttonous life or in order to leave tidy sums to leave to their heirs when they passed on. The inmates toiled for ten hours a day for a few crumbs and no creature comforts. They were abused, beaten, molested, and otherwise humiliated. It is good to read about the horrors of these poor people's experiences, so that these are remembered and never allowed to occur again. Thank you to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #theworkhouse I was under no obligation to post a review.