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Meriden Union Workhouse, Warwickshire
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Meriden Union Workhouse, Warwickshire
The master, matron and a child stand at the entrance to the Meriden Union Workhouse on Maxstoke Lane, Meriden. Date: Date unknown
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14134205
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
Lane Master Matron Stand Workhouse Meriden
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in time at the Meriden Union Workhouse, located on Maxstoke Lane in Meriden, Warwickshire. The image features the master, matron, and a young child standing at the entrance of the workhouse, their expressions hinting at a complex interplay of authority, compassion, and vulnerability. The Meriden Union Workhouse was established in the mid-19th century as part of the English Poor Law system, a social welfare program designed to provide relief for the destitute and able-bodied poor. The system required able-bodied adults to work in exchange for shelter and food, and children were often separated from their families and placed in workhouses or apprenticed out. The master, dressed in a formal suit and top hat, represents the authority figure responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the workhouse. The matron, wearing a traditional Victorian dress and apron, embodies the nurturing and caring role of providing for the inmates, particularly the children. The child, with a small bundle in his arms, may be an orphan or a child whose family could no longer care for him or her. The entrance to the Meriden Union Workhouse is simple yet imposing, with tall, wrought-iron gates and a large, arched doorway. The image offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the lives of those who lived and worked in the workhouse system during a time of great social and economic change in England. The exact date of this photograph is unknown, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the historical significance of the Meriden Union Workhouse and the experiences of those who were part of the English Poor Law system.
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