Genealogy Chat

I've just thought of something else to add to my previous thread : I can vaguely remember my mother telling me of a relative who was put into the workhouse. The story, as I remember it, is that this lady's husband had died and she had no financial means of looking after herself so 'a horse and carriage came for her one day and took her away' - is this what they did in those days? Is there any such thing as workhouse records? Please help.

Yes there are records as my Great grandad was put in one with his brothers when his mum and dad split up. If you know where then should be able to get the form that list them entering it gives info like age heigh haircolour. Regards - Louise

Hi Glad you asked the question as I was wondering the same thing as I have found out too that a rellie went into the workhouse and was wondering how I can find out details as it seemed a bit strange as there seemed to be a big family who could have taken care of her and also was the workhouse the same as a prison or just for 'poor People' ? Linda

I just noticed your other thread that mentions Stoke on Trent, which is in Staffordshire? If I where you I would check on the wolverhamptons archives site on it is has some info on local workhouses, it should give you a idea of what they where like or you may even find details of the one your looking for. Regards - Louise

Just found this site that has very useful links to workhouses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workhouse Regards - Louise

I think I am right in saying that not all workhouse records have survived so it is a bit of a lottery. My Gt Grandmother and her children were in a workhouse in Belper Derbyshire and their records have survived and are at one of the Manchester archives. Ann Glos

The workhouses were in operation as recent as1947........I don't know when they ceased but I do know that my mother and her children including myself were put in the workhouse......we were homeless at the time and no income............father was a soldier and we lived near army camps until he died in the war.....no idea of widows pension or whether or not it was sufficient

Two useful sites regarding workhouses: www.workhouses.org.uk/ www.institutions.org.uk/workhouses/ Lots of photos, diagrams, info about where records are kept, what happened to the workhouse buildings etc. nell

Two useful sites regarding workhouses: www.workhouses.org.uk/ www.institutions.org.uk/workhouses/ Lots of photos, diagrams, info about where records are kept, what happened to the workhouse buildings etc. nell

the manor hospital in walsall used to be a workhouse

I have a workhouse medical record for my gg grandfather who, from what I can gather from the records - probably got put there due to some sort of mental illness. As his wife and adult children were still around I can only assume that his behaviour must have become unmanageable for them and the workhouse was the only option.

If the workhouse records survive you could find some fantastic information. I did when I was researching my ancestors in the Fulham workhouse. Keep at it - you could find something really significant.