Workhouses of London and the South East provides a comprehensive guide to the workhouses that were set up across London and the neighbouring counties, revealing buildings steeped in social history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2019
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Our perception of workhouses has often been shaped by the writings of authors like Charles Dickens, but what was the actual reality? Where were these institutions located, and what happened to them? You might be surprised to learn that a building in your own town, now transformed into flats or a part of a local hospital, was once a workhouse. Revealing buildings steeped in social history, "Workhouses of London and the South East" offers a comprehensive and extensively illustrated guide to the workhouses established across London and the neighboring counties of Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire.

Our Image of Workhouses

Our image of workhouses has often been colored by the writings of authors such as Charles Dickens. But what was the reality? Where exactly were all these institutions located - and what happened to them? You might be surprised to discover that a building in your own town, now transformed into flats or part of a local hospital, was once a workhouse. Revealing buildings steeped in social history, "Workhouses of London and the South East" provides a comprehensive and copiously illustrated guide to the workhouses that were set up across London and the neighboring counties of Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire.

The Reality of Workhouses

The reality of workhouses is often more complex than the portrayal in literature. These institutions were designed to provide a place of refuge and support for the poor and destitute, but they were also often associated with harsh conditions and poor treatment. Workhouses were typically located in urban areas, often near the center of town, and were designed to house a large number of people in cramped and unsanitary conditions. The workhouse system was based on a workhouse test, which determined whether a person was eligible for admission. If a person was deemed eligible, they were required to work for a set number of hours each day, often in menial or labor-intensive jobs. The workhouse system was intended to provide a means of support for the poor, but it was often criticized for its harsh conditions and poor treatment of the inmates.

Where Were Workhouses Located?

Workhouses were located in various parts of London and the surrounding counties. In London, workhouses were typically located in the inner city, near the center of town. In Middlesex, workhouses were located in towns such as Enfield, Ealing, and Hounslow. In Kent, workhouses were located in towns such as Canterbury, Maidstone, and Rochester. In Surrey, workhouses were located in towns such as Guildford, Kingston, and Woking. In Sussex, workhouses were located in towns such as Brighton, Chichester, and Worthing. In Berkshire, workhouses were located in towns such as Reading, Slough, and Windsor.

What Happened to Workhouses?

Workhouses were eventually abolished in the late 19th century. The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 was passed, which aimed to improve the conditions of the poor and destitute. The act introduced a new system of poor relief, which provided a means of support for the poor without requiring them to work for a set number of hours each day. The workhouse system was replaced by a system of local government, which provided a range of social services to the poor. However, the legacy of workhouses remains in the form of the workhouse test, which is still used in some parts of the world to determine eligibility for social services.

Workhouses of London and the South East

"Workhouses of London and the South East" is a comprehensive and copiously illustrated guide to the workhouses that were set up across London and the neighboring counties of Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. The book provides a detailed overview of the workhouse system, including its history, design, and operation. It also includes photographs and illustrations of the workhouses, as well as information about the people who lived and worked in them. The book is written by a team of experts in the field of social history, and it provides a valuable insight into the social and economic conditions of the period.

Conclusion

Our image of workhouses has often been colored by the writings of authors such as Charles Dickens. But what was the reality? Where exactly were all these institutions located - and what happened to them? Revealing buildings steeped in social history, "Workhouses of London and the South East" provides a comprehensive and copiously illustrated guide to the workhouses that were set up across London and the neighboring counties of Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. The book provides a detailed overview of the workhouse system, including its history, design, and operation, and it includes photographs and illustrations of the workhouses, as well as information about the people who lived and worked in them. Whether you are interested in social history or just curious about the past, "Workhouses of London and the South East" is a must-read book.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 227 x 178 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750987776