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Bath Union Workhouse
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Bath Union Workhouse
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Media ID 7404019
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10474704
Lay Out Plans Poor House Poverty Workhouses Poorhouses
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Bath Union Workhouse: A 19th Century Institution of Last Resort for the Destitute" This evocative image, captured in the late 19th century, offers a glimpse into the somber world of Bath Union Workhouse, an institution designed to provide relief for the destitute and the poor in Bath, England during a time when poverty was rampant. The layout of the workhouse, as depicted in this photograph, reflects the harsh realities of the era, with its imposing stone walls, barbed-wire fence, and sparse, functional buildings. The Bath Union Workhouse, also known as the Bath Poorhouse, was established in 1837 under the Poor Law Amendment Act, which aimed to reform the previous system of parish relief. The new workhouse system was intended to be a deterrent to those relying on outdoor relief, as living conditions within the workhouse were deliberately made unpleasant and spartan. The photograph reveals the workhouse's main buildings, including the master's house, the infirmary, the dining hall, and the workrooms. The master's house, situated at the entrance, was a symbol of authority and control, while the infirmary housed the sick and infirm. The dining hall, where the inmates were required to eat their meals in silence and in a disciplined manner, is visible in the background. The workrooms, where the able-bodied inmates were expected to work to earn their keep, are not shown in this image. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the living conditions endured by the poor during the 19th century. Despite the hardships, the Bath Union Workhouse provided a safety net for those who had no other means of support, offering shelter, food, and a modicum of care in their time of need. The image, with its intriguing details and historical significance, invites us to reflect on the complexities of poverty and the social welfare system during this period, as well as the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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