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Williton Union Workhouse
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Williton Union Workhouse
The Union workhouse at Williton, Somerset. Some of the workhouse staff and some local residents are visible. The building, designed by George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffatt, opened in 1839. Date: Date unknown
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Media ID 7178767
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10512914
1839 Bonython Gilbert Moffatt Opened Residents Scott Somerset Staff Visible Workhouse Designed Will I Am Williton
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Glimpse into the Past: Williton Union Workhouse, Somerset, 1839 This evocative photograph captures the imposing presence of the Williton Union Workhouse, located in the picturesque town of Williton, Somerset, England. Designed by renowned architects George Gilbert Scott and William Bonython Moffatt, the workhouse opened its doors in 1839, marking the beginning of a new era in the administration of poor relief. The image offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, revealing both the workhouse staff and local residents. The architectural grandeur of the building is evident, with its intricate details and Gothic Revival style. The staff members, dressed in their formal attire, appear poised and serious, while the residents, clad in their humble clothing, look on with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The Williton Union Workhouse was one of the many institutions established under the New Poor Law of 1834, which aimed to provide a more efficient and cost-effective system of poor relief. This system, however, was criticized for its harsh living conditions and the separation of families. The workhouse system, which required able-bodied paupers to work in exchange for their keep, was intended to discourage idleness and encourage self-sufficiency. The architectural design of the Williton Union Workhouse reflects the prevailing attitudes of the time, with its emphasis on discipline and order. The building's imposing facade and the stern expressions of the staff members serve as reminders of the challenging living conditions that existed within its walls. Despite the controversy surrounding the workhouse system, it remains an important chapter in the history of social welfare in England. This photograph, with its intriguing composition and historical significance, offers a captivating glimpse into the past, providing valuable insights into the social, architectural, and historical context of 19th-century England.
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