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Former Chelmsford Workhouse admin block, 2000
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Former Chelmsford Workhouse admin block, 2000
Former Chelmsford Workhouse admin block, seen from the northeast, part of the Chelmsford Union Workhouse, Essex. The original buildings date from 1837 but were largely rebuilt after a fire in 1886. The site later became St Johns Hospital. Date: 2000
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Media ID 14231852
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
2000 2000s Admin Administration Block Chelmsford Essex Workhouse Workhouses
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: Former Chelmsford Workhouse Admin Block, 2000: A Glimpse into Essex's Social History This evocative photograph captures the former Chelmsford Workhouse admin block as it appeared in the year 2000. Located in the heart of Essex, the Chelmsford Union Workhouse, of which this admin block was a part, dates back to 1837. However, the buildings underwent significant reconstruction following a devastating fire in 1886. The image, taken from the northeast, offers a poignant view of the admin block's architectural features. With its grandiose design and imposing presence, it once served as the administrative hub of the workhouse, overseeing the daily operations and management of this institution. The Chelmsford Union Workhouse was established to provide relief for the destitute, the elderly, and the infirm, who were unable to support themselves. The workhouse system, a key component of the English Poor Laws, aimed to instil discipline and self-reliance among its inmates. However, the conditions within these institutions were often harsh and inhumane, leading to widespread criticism and reforms. By the turn of the 21st century, the former Chelmsford Workhouse had been repurposed as St John's Hospital. The transformation of this historic site reflects the evolving social landscape and the changing needs of the community. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the past, offering a glimpse into Essex's rich social history. The original buildings, with their intricate details and historical significance, continue to stand as testament to the complex and often controversial chapter in the county's history. This image, taken in the 2000s, offers a unique perspective on a time when the role of the workhouse extended far beyond its original purpose.
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