Workhouse Wood-chopping Shed
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Workhouse Wood-chopping Shed
The wood-chopping shed at an unidentified workhouse. Wood-chopping was a work task often given to workhouse inmates. Some of the men area seated with small cleavers. Others are standing and collecting the chopped wood into bundles for sale as firewood. Date: 1909
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Media ID 7193329
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10530010
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Wood-chopping Shed: A Snapshot of Workhouse Life in 1909" In this evocative photograph, we witness a scene from the daily routine of a workhouse in the early 20th century. The wood-chopping shed, a vital part of the workhouse infrastructure, is where inmates performed a crucial task to keep the institution running. Wood-chopping was a common work assignment for paupers, providing them with a sense of purpose and contributing to the workhouse's self-sufficiency. The image captures a group of men, some seated on wooden benches with small cleavers in hand, while others stand and collect the chopped wood into bundles. Their faces are etched with determination and focus, as they diligently carry out their duties. The wooden walls of the shed, filled with stacks of firewood, attest to the collective efforts of these men. Workhouses, often referred to as the Poor Law Institutions, were established in England and Wales as part of the New Poor Law of 1834. The system aimed to provide relief for the destitute while encouraging self-reliance and discouraging idleness. Inmates were required to work for their keep, and tasks such as wood-chopping, farming, and textile production were common assignments. This photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of those who resided in workhouses during this era. It underscores the importance of community, perseverance, and the transformative power of work in the face of adversity. Despite the challenging circumstances, the men in this image demonstrate a sense of camaraderie and dedication, as they work together to produce firewood for the workhouse and potentially for sale to the local community.
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