Gower, Glamorgan
The parishes on the Gower peninsula originally formed part of the Swansea Poor Law Union. An increase in Swansea's population led, in 1857, to the formation of a new Gower Poor Law Union. The new union officially came into existence on 29th September 1857 and initially comprised the parishes of: Bishopston, Cheriton, Ilston, Knelston, Llanddewy [Llandewi], Llangennith, Llanmadock [Llanmadoc], Llanrhidian Higher, Llanrhidian Lower, Nicholaston, Oxwich, Oystermouth, Penmaen, Pennard, Penrice, Port Eynon [Porteynon], Reynoldston, and Rhossily [Rhossili].
In 1861 a Gower Union workhouse was erected at Penmaen to accommodate 50 inmates. Its location and layout are shown on the 1921 map below.
![Gower workhouse site, 1921.](GowerMap1921-10560.gif)
Gower workhouse site, 1921.
![Gower workhouse general view from the south, 2000](Gower1.jpg)
Gower, 2000.
© Peter Higginbotham.
The main building faced to the south and had a T-shaped layout.
![Gower workhouse, 2000](Gower2.jpg)
Gower main building from the south, 2000.
© Peter Higginbotham.
A utility block containing boiler house and laundry lay along the north of the site.
![Gower workhouse, 2000](Gower3.jpg)
Gower rear of main building from the north, 2000.
© Peter Higginbotham.
In 1913, William and Rose (née Hoare) Williams were the Master and Matron of the Gower workhouse. Their grand-daughter Veronica McKenzie has kindly provided a picture of them with their son Donald.
![William, Rose and Donald Williams, summer 1913.](Gower4.jpg)
William, Rose and Donald Williams, summer 1913.
Courtesy of Veronica McKenzie.
The much extended former workhouse building is now used as an old people's home.
Staff
Inmates
Records
Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.
- West Glamorgan Archive Service, County Hall, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN. Holdings include: Guardians' minute books (1896-1914, 1917-1930); Births (1914-30); Creed register (1869-98, 1912-45); Punishment book (1914-23); etc.
- Swansea Area Unions
has Gower Union Creed Registers (1869-1898).
Bibliography
- Higginbotham, Peter The Workhouse Encyclopedia (2014, The History Press)
- NEW! Workhouses of Wales and the Welsh Borders. The story of the workhouse across the whole of Wales and the border counties of Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire. More...
Links
- None.
Unless otherwise indicated, this page () is copyright Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.