The material below is taken from the web page . Unless otherwise indicated, content is copyright Peter Higginbotham and may not be re-published without permission.


 
Ancestry UK

Workhouse Guestbook 2003

Thanks for visiting The Workhouse web-site at www.workhouses.org.uk. You are welcome to add an entry to the guestbook.
An excellent site well done,
Douglas Allan Lloyd <betnic5@btinternet.com>
Chessington, Surrey UK - 2003-12-30 23:54
Thank you for such a well written, easy to follow and interesting site. One of the BEST I have come across on the net! I work at a former "work-house" which is now a Hospital. It is due to have some parts closed, and redeveloped. I will revisit your site to read again and again your fasinating facts. Thank you again. - Grace - Bristol.
Grace Hopkins <grace.hopkins@virgin.net>
Bristol, UK - 2003-12-26 14:59
it was christmas day in the workhouse and... and hopefully someone will write a happy story for us all to read
ida down <n/a>
london, UK - 2003-12-22 18:00
The best website (in terms of research, layout and general interest) that I have seen.
David Jackson
Cheshire UK - 2003-12-20 10:29
Thank you so much! You have done a BRILLIANT job putting all this together for all to read about Work Houses.It must have been a hard life to live in one!
Julie
Melbourne, Victoria Australia - 2003-12-20 03:39
Such an amazing history which enthralled me for hours. I never knew that there was all of this information "out there." I love this type of history and cannot wait to explore more websites like this, if there are any. Thankyou for all of your research.
Emma Pope
St. Leonards on Sea, East Sussex UK - 2003-12-18 16:48
hello i like the tour and the privvy best . gr8 site for digging up the past. mmmm brill mmmmm
Alico bones
uk, uk UK - 2003-12-18 14:34
Hello we r at skool an we think tht ur pages is completely brilliant we av learnt lots an lots NOT !!!!!!!!
Celina
UK - 2003-12-18 14:31
hi, we are at skool looking at this for our work. bye bye
sarah, belinda and laura
UK - 2003-12-18 14:28
Thank you so much for this wonderful site. I was born in Kent, and have been attempting some research into my family background. I have spent so much time reading through your very informative site, and I sincerely commend you for it. My Grandmother, who lived to be 93, and was born in 1876, kept a secret. I discovered that as a young married woman, she and her children were once housed in the poorhouse. I am quite sure this was always considered shameful to her, and the reason it was never revealed. This sweet lady, who loved her children dearly, had a very hard life, as so many thousands of others did in those days. Because she kept this secret (that I discovered)I will not reveal her name out of respect to her memory. As a history nut, I just want to say thank you for a free site, with such a wealth of "stuff" to enjoy reading. You say that commercial interests are abusing your site, I say shame on them !(Could say more on that subject!!)
Margaret Montgomery <talmagcotton@socal.rr.com>
Santa Clarita, California USA - 2003-12-16 23:01
a very helpfull site
samantha allworthy <sam050890@hotmail.com>
yeovil UK - 2003-12-15 09:39
Nice site, I found it linked from 1901 census. My gtgtgtgrandmother on my maternal side died in Pewsey workhouse in 1846 and I saw the buildings before the present time
john Davey <john.m.davey@btinternet.com>
Fordingbridge, Hants UK - 2003-12-08 19:09
Excellent site - useful for my research. Would like to see more records on your site rather than 'locked' away in municiple archives!! Awaiting the Swansea lists 'to be added later'.........when?????
Marilynn Osment <marilynn.osment@btinternet.com>
UK - 2003-12-05 21:33
After reading this most informative site I now have a much better understanding of my great grandmother who was, I believe, raised as a baby in St Leonard's Shoreditch from about 1849+. She became a pupil-teacher, later trained as a teacher and married a school teacher. They were invited by the agent-general in London to come to Qld Australia to teach. This they did and taught all over Queensland, often with dreadful conditions in outback country schools. I have letters which she wrote to the Qld Education Dept when she was having some problems. She attributed these problems to her time when she was raised by charity. Her husband was also educated in St Leonard's but I am not convinced he was a pauper. I have to investigate further.
Pam Dale
Brisbane, Queensland Australia - 2003-12-05 14:24
Thanks for the interesting website, provided me with a lot of information that helped in History! Thanks!
Frances Tayor
Maidstone, Kent UK - 2003-12-05 13:07
Wow! thankyou so much for such an interesting read. it's websites like this that make the internet such a joy to the modern world. I would like to give you my sincere thanks, for this informational yet fun website. It really has brightened up my world and given me inspiration to become the ultimate historian. phillippa lesforis xxx
Phillis Leforis <rudeboy_adam27@hotmail.com>
Maidstone, Kent UK - 2003-12-05 13:04
Get Some Interesting Stuff In Your Website
Natalie
UK - 2003-12-05 12:57
I just happened onto this site and must say it is absolutely brilliant and informative. I haven't read all the sections yet but most certainly plan to. Thanks for this grand piece of history.
lillie johnston hindley <a.johnston@home.nl>
Sittard, Limburg Netherlands - 2003-12-02 17:42
i think that the reaserch on this programme is amazing. i have visited your sit and have found it verry usefull and relevant to my school studies
saphra hayes <sexysaphra4eva>
cardiff, bridgend UK - 2003-12-01 19:51
Brilliant research. What prommpted you to start this work? As a social worker I found the history of the poor laws of great interest. I could not find any info on the Saffron Walden Union Workhouse in Essex England. Any leads to it would be appreciated.
Rosemary CAMP <campgenealogy@aol.com>
Marina del Rey, CA USA - 2003-12-01 14:44
found this site while looking for Iron beds but its brilliant
val young
UK - 2003-11-29 18:34
the bell from the blything/bulcamp suffolk workhouse is in the halesworth museum located in the rail station
tony hopkins <n/a>
diss, norfolk UK - 2003-11-24 12:31
Absolutley fascinating web site
Debi <B3th24@aol.com>
UK - 2003-11-21 22:35
I am a student nurse and am currently reasearching the history of health care. After hours of surfing on the net for info, I was really pleased to find this site. It's so interesting and informative and answers all my questions about workhouses and the poor laws. Many thanks for a quality site.
Debbie Holdsworth <courosedebbie@blueyonder.co.uk>
Wickford, Essex UK - 2003-11-18 23:29
Great site. Any idea when you will be filling out the missing sections for Bromley Poor Law Union. This is information I am dying to get my hands on - my great great grandfather Henry Albert Whatley was an overseer for North Cray from around 1890 to at least 1910.
Angela Walker
UK - 2003-11-17 13:21
Congratulations on an absorbing site. Like you, my G G Grandfather, William KNIGHT b.1787 died in Droxford in 1859. I had no real idea of the conditions
Peter St.Johanser <peterstjo@xtra.nz.co>
Auckland, NZ - 2003-11-17 10:18
Thank you very much for providing this site for us to read. it has been a great help to us in answering questions in preparation for our coursework on the poor in Truro. we love you god bless your cotton socks. xxxxx
joshy, joiey, helly helen <9sjt2@penair.cornwall.sch.uk>
Truro, Cornwall, england UK - 2003-11-17 10:05
thanks alot for helping me with my history work , i will definately not use this site again.
Ian Prince
milton keynes, bucks UK - 2003-11-14 12:20
During my research for a novel about my great great grandmother, this website has been absolutely invaluable. It has answered a lot of my questiuons and Peter himself has been quick to respond to any queries. I cannot thank Peter enough and recommend this website to anyone with an interest in workhouses whatever their reason. Many, many congratulations! J P Henderson-Long
J P Henderson-Long <jhenderson-long@q-serve.com>
Surrey UK - 2003-11-14 11:20
its very goood
nazish <nazish_Shoukat_masih@hotmail.com>
london, UK - 2003-11-13 12:40
This website is really good, we found it very interesting, though the quiz is too hard!!! Anyway it has helped us with ouyr work, and at the same time we have really enjoyed reading it!! p.s Hey priesthorpe
Sarah and Amanda
Leeds, Yorkshire UK - 2003-11-13 09:37
i like this site is very lovly so keep it up thank you.
chris pablo <chriscoba@yahoo.com>
COTONOU, BENIN UK - 2003-11-11 23:00
I have spent the whole day on Internet trying to trace my maternal grandfather and I found him! My searching brought me to this web-site and it was with great emotion that I saw pictures of the poorhouse in which he was born. You cannot imagine the feelings I have and the gratitude I feel that this website exists. Thank you.
Linda Coutant <lindacoutant@aol.com>
France - 2003-11-11 15:52
I really love your web site. Keep it up
asaba owerri <homeboy_owerri_asaba@aba.us>
alabama , atlanta united states - 2003-11-07 17:47
i have a new e mail address if anyone has any information on carnegie park orphanage glasgow could you please help me thankyou.
christine wood <WoChris9>
newcastle upon tyne, UK - 2003-11-06 10:42
This website answered alot of questions for me. My mom was an unwed mother that gave birth to me in 1955 in Croom Hospital Ireland. She then moved to St. Ita's in Newcastle Limerick which was the home for unwed mothers at the time. As it turns out, both locations were former workhouses. I managed to get a current photo of me today in the exact same spot as a photo that was take as me as a baby in 1956 or 1957 at St. Ita's. In 1957 I was adopted by a couple in the US and left Ireland. My return visit to Croom and Newcastle this past Summer was very satisfying. I have several photos of both locations if anyone is interested.
Brian Ellis <brgell@aol.com>
Cleveland, OH USA - 2003-11-02 01:43
Fantastic site, really saddened to read about conditions for the poor souls who needed this "relief". Was absolutely amazed to discover that Townley's hospital in Bolton was the old workhouse! I'll look at it in a new light! Does anyone have any information about Leyland Workhouse - Lancashire? Needed for a local history project for my class of 11 year olds! Regards, and thanks for a great site
Anne O'Brien <annyanne@hotmail.com>
Bolton, Lancs UK - 2003-10-29 23:57
Thnxs for your site, extremely informative & interesting, but sad.Who decided who was a lunatic, imbecile or idiot? Do you happen to know if the Master had 'rules' by which to tell the difference?I knew my Gran was in Chatham(Medway)workhouse at the age of 10 and already had a list inmates from R/O, but now I've found a few more Bromleys in your list and will now struggle to find if they're related.Only this week I found my Gran's Marriage Cert.-I've only been 15yrs looking for it! It was good to see a photograph of the place and can now flesh out the bones of my Fam.Hist. a little more.Thanks again. Patricia
Patricia Anne Reece <annelapper@btinternet.com>
Burnham on Sea, Somerset UK - 2003-10-27 22:20
just want to say what An absorbing site, lots of interest well done.
GaryD <garyd@cursci.co.uk>
London, UK - 2003-10-24 13:17
i am trying to find information about carnegie park orphanage renfrew st. glasgow, and after reading this very interesting but sad site i wondered if there was any connection between the home for deserted mothers in renfrew street and carnegie park, any help with this would be most appriciated.
christine wood <christine@wood8909.freeserve.co.uk>
newcastle upon tyne ne15 8qw, UK - 2003-10-23 15:27
An interesting and informative web-site which I enjoyed browsing. I also found the links to other sites useful. The workhouse tour was very good and I like the photographs!
Helen B <nellie.b@lineone.net>
Sheffield, England UK - 2003-10-19 18:48
i am trying to find out about my great grand parents last known where abouts durham workhouse at feethsam 90 yarm road they were william wright tomlinson married to roseanne lloyd had children there called walter jean rose edward francis lena some of the children were taken away and sent to padgate cottages in warrington as the state said the parents coul not afford them william was in the durham light brigade or light infantry at some stage and on lena's birth cert it says joiner/journeyman i am not very good at this yet so any help or advice would be most welcome thanx
linda <russlinon1@btinternet.com>
cheshire, UK - 2003-10-15 09:47
laavley
sarah huffen
UK - 2003-10-13 19:35
Cheers for the help with my history h/w
Advent 8650
UK - 2003-10-12 10:06
A very interesting website. However, I couldn't help feeling a great sadness when I browsed. To see people 'labelled' as lunatics is quite disturbing and extremely sad.
Lynn Stacey <stalm@hotmail.com>
London, UK - 2003-10-11 17:30
brilliant, this site really helped with my history homework
nat
kent UK - 2003-10-09 14:59
Brilliant!!I am now learning something about workhouse at school...this site does help a lot...it is really amazing...
Hannah
Hong Kong SAR, - 2003-10-04 11:53
I just found my great grandmother, Emma Webb, as an inmate of the Cardiff, Glamorgan workhouse as of 1881! This is stunning family news, as we knew nothing about our Welsh heritage. Thanks so much for the great information
Sandi Alex <grrralex@co>
Camas, WA USA - 2003-10-02 16:31
What an interesting site.I was searching for ancestors when I came upon it accidentally.We learnt very little English history in my school days, found this fascinating.Congratulations on your well deserved awards.
Annette <acurran@ihug.co.nz>
Wellington, New Zealand - 2003-10-02 09:13
A brilliant site. Could not believe I would actually see the building where some of my unfortunate ancestors stayed. Please, please, keep adding more info. Regards Ray Dean
Ray Dean <raymonddean@supanet.com>
Devon UK - 2003-09-30 18:22
I very much appreciated this site. Peter you have done a supberb job. My interest in this subject peaked after finding the illegitimate birth of my maternal great grandfather in a union poor house in Minster, Isle of Thanet, Kent. He was born in 1877 and named Frank Lowe Gibson. Uncles and aunts had said that this relative was an orphan and I would find no information about him. They were quite intrigued with my findings. My next step is to contact the Centre for Kentish Studies. I am pleased to add that Frank and his mother Eliza didn't stay at the work house as I found them both residing in Canterbury Kent in 1881. I can't help but ponder seriously over the conditions in which my great great grandmother had to exist in order to give birth a child out of wedlock. Pleased to read so many comments from people on this side of the pond. The internet has really made the world a smaller place hasn't it?
Barbara <eremenda@yahoo.ca>
Woodstock, Ontario Canada - 2003-09-27 21:29
Hi, I have just launched a site on the history of the Irish in Liverpool containing reference to the Brownlow Hill workhouse (now site of the Catholic cathedral).
Declan <declan_eire@hotmail.com>
Liverpool, UK - 2003-09-27 17:13
Dear Peter, My mother lived at Holborn Union, Mitcham when she was 9 - 12yrs in 1921 - 1924. My Grandparents were care takers of the whole empty Workhouse and she can remember the buildings just like the architects drawings. She tells me fascinating tales of her and my Aunt and Uncle playing in the dining hall, the padded cells and dormitories etc., Also climbing the iron spiral staircase of the epilepsy block to look over the wall to see Mitcham Fair. She remembers many details of the various rooms and the grounds. Would you be interested to know more? Daphne
Daphne Brown <daphnebrown1@hotmail.com>
Blandford Forum, Dorset UK - 2003-09-22 16:33
My gt gt grandparents were the master and mistress of Wareham and Purbeck union workhouse Dorset, thier names were John and Isabella Hallett.Great site by the way.
Margaret Reynolds <margian.goodwin@btopenworld.com>
haverhill, suffolk UK - 2003-09-20 23:08
I have just started my first job (after finishing my degree) teaching Social Policy. This is not my subject and a difficult subject to teach. Your excellent website played a big part in keeping a 3 hour lesson interesting & informative. I will reccomend it. Good Luck, Richard (South Yorks).
Richard Turner <turnerrichard3@hotmail.com>
Mexborough, South Yorks UK - 2003-09-19 21:40
Fantastic site, one question though i am looking for inmates names around 1870ish When will they be published do you know? :O) Keep it going
MAGGIE JILBERT-WATKINS <maggie@jilbert.fslife.co.uk>
andover, hants UK - 2003-09-17 12:41
wow, this is lifetime's work put here! you're missing a workhouse from your list though. there used to be one in a village called pevensey in sussex (in between eastbourne and hastings). i know for sure because i lived in it for a little while. it was cold and the walls were uneven but it was was quaint in its own little way. considerably smaller than the ones you have photgraphed here though! anyway, thank you for this site. it is wonderful and so informative and detailed. i am spreading the word!
caty <talkshowhost83@hotmail.com>
eastbourne, sussex UK - 2003-09-17 06:09
This site rocked! Well done it was useful 4 my history work! :D
Gizmo
Herts UK - 2003-09-16 11:12
This site was brilliant i managed to get an A o my history progect for once!
Sarah-Jane <saucy_sarah_89@hotmail.com>
London, London UK - 2003-09-16 11:07
Brilliant site thank you.My g.g.grandmother died in Tynemouth Union workhouse and It was fascinating to see the actual building Thank you
joan melville <inmylife27@hotmail.com>
alicante, spain - 2003-09-06 19:19
Finnaly found the missing link to my family tree, Thanx for a great site.
Mike Smith
Buckingham, Bucks UK - 2003-09-02 15:53
Brilliantly laid out site, I was amazed to see photos of the workhouse in this corner of Ireland that I can see from my kitchen window!
Simon
UK - 2003-09-01 20:16
This is a wonderful site! Very well researched and presented. An excellent historical research site.
Debra Patterson <debsden@sympatico.ca>
Waterdown, Ontario Canada - 2003-08-31 00:32
Your site is very interesting. I am looking for a relative who was "governor of an union" in 1858, either in Stepney or Oulton Suffolk. I wonder if you are thinking of putting all the staff lists on the site as you have in some of them. Thank you anyway. I hope I find him somehow. His name was Henry Harrison. It's a very well thought out site.
P Hopkins <petahopkins@hotmail.com>
London UK - 2003-08-28 16:18
Absolutely brilliant site. Thank you very much. Super, interesting, informative - very, very special. All the best Chris xx
Chris P
UK - 2003-08-27 19:21
What a superb website. It was so easy to navigate around. Full of interesting facts. Beautifully presented. Really impressive. I keep coming back to it.
Chris Brammer <Chris_Brammer@Hotmail.com>
Bath, Somerset UK - 2003-08-01 17:46
I am shocked. I knew my grandparents met and became friends in a place like this. They would not talk about it much because they left England and made a wonderful successful life for themselves in America. I only recently learned it was the Blean Workhouse in Herne, Kent. Last week, we returned from a trip to the Whitstable/Herne Bay/Canterbury area and visited what used to be the Blean Workhouse which is a fabulous residential development now. I still cannot believe it; no wonder they left.
Janet Eaton <janetlanee@msn.com>
Seattle, WA US - 2003-08-01 03:52
My father and I used to visit an aumt of his visit an aunt of his in the workhouse in Dean Road, Scarborough, in the late 30's and early 40's. Her name was Dyball, or this may be not the right correct spelling. My Grandfather used to tell me that there was a french connection to our side of the family I would appreciate any help or information any one can supply. Elizabeth Orrah.
Elizabeth Sells <bretsell@ntl.sympatico.ca>
Montieth, zontario Canada - 2003-07-31 21:52
A truly educational site on what is a massive subject. I am doing research on Workhouses and tying it in with the social history of my family history. This has been so very helpful. Thankyou very much for all the hard work you must have done.
M Long
UK - 2003-07-30 17:50
I LIKE THE SITE.KEEP IT UP.BY, WAZOBIA
WAZOBIA <WAZOBIA@MAIL.COM>
UK - 2003-07-25 13:00
Dear Peter: Thank you for a most wonderful site! I have just received documentation that my Grandfather was in Olive Mount in 1918. It is wonderful to see a picture and map of where he spent some time as a young child. Again, thank you!
Carol
Surrey, B.C. Canada - 2003-07-24 18:52
Great site
George Mainwaring <george.mainwaring@tiscali.co.uk>
UK - 2003-07-20 12:54
One of the best websites I have visited in a long time. Thank you.
Dee <ovniamigo@aol.comO>
UK - 2003-07-16 17:14
Really enjoyed browsing your site this evening. Lots of good info. keep it up!
UK - 2003-07-08 11:52
This site was very helpful for our coursework on workhouses. Thankyou x
Mel and Christie
Norwich, UK - 2003-07-07 11:41
Dear Peter On behalf of the community of Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, we wish to congratulate you on your comprehensive website on Workhouses, which is an invaluable resource for persons studying the Poor Law System in the UK and Ireland. We have restored one section of Carrickmacross Workhouse as a community resource and training centre, and intend to restore another section containing an original children's dormitory. This website contains a photograph of this dormitory. To find it, go to 'Union Maps'; 'Ulster'; 'Carrickmacross' - bottom right. We are currently researching the transportation of orphan girls and paupers from our Workhouse to Australia, Canada and America between 1847 - 1854. To date, we have received some valuable information from Trevor McClaughlin in Australia. However, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who might have any information related to these girls, or to Carrickmacross Workhouse. Please feel free to contact us at: farneyworkhouse@eircom.net.
Farney Community Development Group <farneyworkhouse@eircom.net>
Carrickmacross, Monaghan Ireland - 2003-07-02 22:24
ive learned alot from this website and has helped me understand in my history class. thanx guyz. peace out the ghetto. iey
Tom <t_bringhurst@msn.com>
cirencester, gloustershire UK - 2003-06-30 08:59
Fantastic, informative site. You can only imagine how hard it must have been living in those days.
Pam <pamblake11@hotmail.com>
Hants UK - 2003-06-27 20:14
Fantasic site so much free info I feel like a kid in a sweet shop. Lots of hard work evident. Will be visiting your site many more times. Cheers
Sharon Perrett <Sharon@regress.homelinux.org>
Portsmouth, Hampshire UK - 2003-06-27 01:01
It wz a v kooky wb site!!! twz wkd man v hlpfl!!! da tour of da cell scared me & thrlld me like ihav neva bin thrlld b4!!! dude u rock lika a feathery chick chick chicken xxxxxxxxxx
huwsniff
Birmingham, UK - 2003-06-24 10:51
i think that your website is very good and i liked it very much
lauren gough
glos, england UK - 2003-06-24 10:48
thank you - I have found some useful information here. also did you know there was a workhouse in Maidstone, Kent, as well as the one you have in Heath Road, Coxheath, there was one in Knightrider Street in the town from 1690's to 1842. I'm not sure where the records for this are but probably in the Centre for Kentish Studies. The building was demolished to build the Baptist Church which is still there.
Hilary <hey@rayyorke.freeserve.co.uk>
UK - 2003-06-23 20:19
This site is kool but a diagram of the building layout would be good and if there is one its hard to find!!!
[Hi Jo - take a look at the "architecture" page! PH]
Jo <jelly_bean5769@hotmail.com>
bristol, N Somerset UK - 2003-06-20 18:35
Brill, lots of love, Jessy and Johnny
Jessy + Johnny <daniel.dotchin@ntlworld.com>
UK - 2003-06-20 13:26
Extraordinary site! A possible ancestor of mine appears in the Castle Ward Union Work House, Ponteland in the North East aged 10 and appears to have been adopted by the Master of the Workhouse. Was this common practice? Does anyone have any idea at all where I am likely to find the adoption papers? Many thanks in anticipation. Gail Hunt
Gail Hunt <gail@gds-link.co.uk>
UK - 2003-06-16 21:04
This is a fabulous website, both comprehensive and informative. Warm congratulations from The HARTLEYs.
William Hartley <william@hartleyfamily.org.uk>
England UK - 2003-06-15 09:26
this is a very nice site
sarah young
UK - 2003-06-13 13:28
Helloooooo, the sculcoates workhouse that has been knocked down recently is gonna be my new school, Endeavour High!! Wooooooo, scary....
Charlotte <miss_uk_chick@hotmail.com>
Hull, Yorkshire UK - 2003-06-13 13:24
This is the most amazing and comprehensive site I have come across, devoted to one subject. When reading it and I must admit I not seen it all, we can thank our lucky stars that we were born in the latter half of the 20th Century. The time that must have been spent on the site must run into hundreds of hours work. The research must have been formidable. Many congratulations on your work.
Stephen Hoye <enfieldian@blueyonder.co.uk>
Enfield, Middx UK - 2003-06-11 17:10
i would hate to live in a workhouse!!! this site has really put thuings into perspective for me thank you for makin it!!!! from skullraider40k
skullraider40k <skullraider40k@hotmail.com>
doncaster, south yorkshire UK - 2003-06-11 11:27
I LOVE THIS SITE.
HOMEBOY OWERRI ASABA <HOMEBOY OWERRI ASABA@ENUGU.COM>
ORLANDO, FLORIDA USA - 2003-06-11 10:39
Hi i Just want to say that this website is wicked and its helped me and my schoolmates with our history project LOADS!! thnak you, i think you should add more pictures though!! :) luv Lauren, Alix, Lisa and Sophie in Stockton x x x
Lauren Mileham <so_wild_lauren@hotmail.com>
Stockton, UK - 2003-06-11 09:22
One of my ancestors, a grandmother by the name of Mary Ann Stone, died in Union House, St. Peters, Hereford, UK in July 1855 age 24 years old. Does anyone know if this was a Workhouse? If so, if anyone has information or know of Internet links for this workhouse, please let me know. Also if anyone is searching this same relative or researching the Stone family from Hereford, I would again love to hear from you. Cath Norris
Cath Norris <cath@catherine83.freeserve.co.uk>
Birmingham, UK - 2003-06-09 10:40
Nice Website
rudraksha
UK - 2003-06-08 04:45
Truly amazing amout of research. Well presented, easy to use. I look forward to reading it all.
Elaine Robinson
Georgetown, ON CAN - 2003-06-02 13:43
A very interesting site. I was recently shocked to discover, in the 1901 census, that one of my great grans was in Burnley workhouse, despite her children and siblings living in the town. It has left me with a lot of questions, some of which your site has answered. Now all I have to do is try and find out what records exist on the inmates of that workhouse. Thanks for the information on how workhouses functioned.
J Hebden <JHebden@aol.com>
UK - 2003-06-01 23:11
Hi, I was doing a victorian fair at my school and found your site really helpful. The pictures, links, and especially the tour all made learning about the poor and the workhouses in the victorian era really come to life. Thanks for a great site and for taking the time to create it!
Libby
Canada - 2003-05-26 20:23
HAVING READ MANY OF THE PRECEEDING COMMENTS THERE IS NOT REALLY ANY PRAISE LEFT UNSAID ABOUT THIS SITE, WE ALL AGREE IT IS WONDERFUL. I HAVE SPENT A WHOLE MORNING READING (AND LISTENING TO) THE INFO WITH TOTAL FASCINATION. I HAVE ALSO NEARLY SPLIT MY SIDES WITH LAUGHTER ON READING PETER'S HUMOUR (ACCESSED VIA HIS HOMEPAGE). AS A RESULT I HAVEN'T CLEARED THE BREAKFAST TABLE, MADE THE BEDS, BEEN SHOPPING OR EVEN OPENED THE INTERSETING LOOKING PARCEL WHICH WAS DELIVERED THIS MORNING, WHICH SHOWS HOW ADDICTIVE THE SITE IS. WHEN MY TEENAGE CHILDREN COME HOME FROM SCHOOL LATER ON, "STARVING" AS USUAL, AND WONDERING WHY THE HOUSE LOOKS LIKE A TIP, AND COMPLAINING THAT THERE'S NOTHING TO EAT IN THE HOUSE, I INTEND TO SHOW THEM THIS SITE TO MAKE THEM THINK HOW LUCKY THEY ARE, AND PERHAPS THE FACT THAT THERE ARE NO CHOCOLATE BISCUITS IN THE TIN WILL BE PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE!
HEATHER BOOSEY <BOOSEY@TALK21.COM>
HAMPSHIRE UK - 2003-05-23 10:46
A wonderful site - can't wait until you have all the details for the Scottish entries. Rather a lot of my family seem to have ended their days in the poorhouse
Anne Fish <thelasses@lymmlines.co.uk>
Lymm, Cheshire UK - 2003-05-22 19:03
Great site, I found an ancestor in 1881 census in workhouse in ware and wondered what it was all about. Now I know. Will be keeping an eye out for details of inmates when you have them for scotland and hopefully ireland
Robyn <robynpaterson@clear.net.nz>
Auckland, New Zealand - 2003-05-21 10:52
What a fantastic site! It is so informative and I'm sure we will return again soon. We read with great interest about Bideford's workhouse - never knowing it stood opposite the home we used to live in - thanks for educating us!! We eagerly await the updates for staff and residents in the Welsh section! having many generations of family that lived in Wales. Thank you.
Christine & Harvey
Bideford, Devon UK - 2003-05-18 22:13
Just to let you know that there is now a book available concerning the Edmonton workhouse. the book is titled:- History of the North Middlesex University Hospital. The book is available from the out-patients department at the hospital or Ottakars bookshop in Enfield Town.
Gary Boudier <gary@maryboudier.co.uk>
Palmers Green, London UK - 2003-05-17 07:18
I never really knew anything about workhouses until I happened upon this site. Fascinating! And good luck on finding a publisher for your book!
Rosella <adayinthelyfe@hotmail.com>
Tulsa, OK US - 2003-05-09 18:57
absalutly fab never new people lived like that keep up the good work thats what the webs about i thank you
tommyd <rebrus49@aol.com>
UK - 2003-05-09 10:33
My ggrandfather died of TB aged 24 at the Knutsford Union Workhouse in 1882. My ggrandmother had an illegitimate child at the same place in 1875 prior to her marrying my ggrandfather in 1878. I find the website fascinating and acknowledge the author/s of it. Thank you. Dennis Phillips.
Dennis Phillips <mbddp@hotkey.net.au>
Neath, NSW Australia - 2003-05-09 06:14
VERY GOOD SITE I WILL BE BAKE FOR MORE WELLDONE
tomydt <rebruis49@aol.com>
glasgow, lanarkshire UK - 2003-05-08 21:36
Your site is very useful and nice designed. Greetings.
diseño web Barcelona <info@edgpublicitat.net>
USA - 2003-05-04 00:56
A super interesting site. Loads to see and lots of links. Very well done.
Liz Williams <lizwil98@yahoo.com>
Regina, Sask. Canada - 2003-05-02 21:07
What is the diffrence between a workhouse and prison? e-mail me plz
Tom <Tom2003heslop@hotmail.com>
stevenage, England UK - 2003-05-02 17:18
Dis iz a cooooooool site peace out dudes
loopyloo <loui.net>
UK - 2003-04-28 17:02
You should have more pics!
louise
UK - 2003-04-28 16:55
Congratulations on a brilliant site. Too much to look at today, but I am sure I will be re-visiting again and again. Thanks for all your hard work and for making it available to everyone.
Barbara Lane
Stockport, UK - 2003-04-24 16:32
Absolutely amazing site.... sat enthralled for more than a few hours and only got past the tip of the iceberg....definately be back for another look.
sharongrundy
Shaftesbury, Dorset UK - 2003-04-22 00:50
Can anyone give me info on the workhouse in Skirbeck Rd, Boston. An Email Photo would help me a lot in putting family history together. My family history. Mike Thompson, 11 coniston place, Trevallyn, Launceston. Tasmania. Thanks.
mike thompson <marmic@microtech.com.au>
launceston, tasmania australia - 2003-04-19 07:23
An excellent site. My ggg grandfather Thomas Hammond died in the Onehouse Workhouse in 1850 at the age of 1851. I am trying to find out why this might have been the case. He didn't live in the Stow Union and his family had not disowned him. He just seems to have been one of the many individuals manipulated by the system. It makes you thankful for the Welfare State.
Catherine Jenvey <catherinejenvey@aol.com>
Suffolk UK - 2003-04-18 18:31
A most interesting website. My grandfather was born in Markeaton Workhouse in Derby in 1885 - second illegitimate child to my great grandmother, which is presumably why he was born there. As a twist of irony, his wife (my grandmother, obviously!) died at the same institution, years after the Workhouse became a hospital. The whole site has now been demolished. Thanks for all your hard work.
Tricia King <tricia.king@nottingham.ac.uk>
UK - 2003-04-16 13:10
I have lived in the former Andover Workhouse for the past 3 years and have been very interested in its history.A good, informative site.
Mary <mary.thatcher1@ntlworld.com>
Andover, Hampshire UK - 2003-04-16 09:48
Hallo! Tolle Seite habt Ihr hier!!! Kann man nicht anders sagen... Schaut´ doch mal bei mir vorbei, da gibt´s: Echt coolen Support für Import Interessierte. (Fernost und Rest der Welt). Kontaktplattform zwischen Käufer und Lieferant. Für breite Produktpalette von Sport über Outdoor bis zu Electro/TV. Wenn man sucht, "WPA-Group" findet bestimmt!!!! Komplette Service Übernahme vom finden des Produkts über die Bestellung bis hin zur Verschiffung!
www.wpa-group.com <info@wpa-group.com>
Morsbach, NRW Germany - 2003-04-13 13:12
good site yo
Whitey <whitey>
fgfg, fgfgf UK - 2003-04-09 13:30
Sorry I meant to put gt. grandfather. I'm not that old. Funny enough when my grandmother needed to go into the hospital for a few days tests she flatly refused at first. The hospital had been the workhouse. She was not born or brought up in the area but she knew where it was.
Tricia <patricia.williams2@btinternet.com>
Derbys UK - 2003-04-07 21:38
A well researched site. I have passed it on to a friend of mine who teaches history. Interestingly in researching our own family we have found out that my paternal grandfather was born in a union workhouse. His father registered his birth the day after and his address is also given as the union workhouse. We intend to visit the area in the near future and your excellent site has pointed us in the right direction. Thanks again.
Tricia <patricia.williams2@btinternet.com>
Derbys UK - 2003-04-07 21:35
This is an absolutely brilliant site and thanks to you I found to missing links. I hope you can find some more lists of inmates and add them to your site. You must have worked very hard on this site to get it looking like this. Well Done!!!!!!!!!!1
Karen <katt1960@btinternet.com>
Leeds, UK - 2003-04-07 21:05
Greetings from Germany
Anton <anton@schaumstoff.com>
Bochum, Germany GE - 2003-04-06 13:37
great presentation, must of been a lot of work and I thank you for all your work. having worked on the Ardrossen scotland poorhouse file to make it available on line i think you have just put some meat on those names. thanks again BILL
bill wood <williamwood92@sympatico.ca>
st thomas , ontario can - 2003-04-05 22:16
:)
KOOKiE
UK - 2003-04-05 03:37
this website is totaly super i really love it! infact i would say that it is the best site on the web! thanx a bunch
thomas ayre
UK - 2003-04-04 14:21
I LOVE THIS WEBSITE, BUT I GOT SCARED ON THE TOUR WEN I ASKED FOR MORE AND GOT SENT TO THE REFRACTORY CELL!I WON'T DO THAT AGAIN IN A HURRY!
aaron hopley
UK - 2003-04-04 14:21
Thanks for your wonderful site, Peter. I'm off to Westport soon to find out more about my Horan family. They left the Castlebar area for Liverpool in the 1850's. Your site has given me some excellent ideas.
Gill <g.thompson37@ntlworld.com>
Worthing, UK - 2003-04-02 11:59
Thank you very much for such an informative site. This is an incredible resource for students. I will use it for all my term papers and research papers. Keep up the great work!
- 2003-03-26 05:59
I can only say reading the site made me think quite deeply about my ancestors who I have been researching. Interestingly I spent a lot of time at North Manchester General Hospital when I was younger and never realised it was a Workhouse originally. A thought provoking site - I won't say interesting because that does not seem to do my ancestors justice. Life in Manchester at the time of the Workhouse was grindingly poor in a way most of us cannot imagine without the help of research like this.
A. Peel <andrewpeel@ntlworld.com>
Manchester, LANCS UK - 2003-03-24 18:22
What a fascinating site. Very interesting stuff. Keep up the good work!!!
Jim Golf <didoh1@aol.com>
St. Louis, MO US - 2003-03-23 07:51
Very good site and easily navigated. Delighted to find information on Fusehill Workhouse, Carlisle where my great grandmother Mary Sewell was born. Helpful information obtained about poorhouses in Glasgow too. Quite understand why you say you cannot help with family history questions but with this guestbook you are! Hope you keep updating. Thank you.
Moira Deakin <moirad@nurserygr2.freeserve.co.uk>
UK - 2003-03-22 16:11
Greetings from Houston, TX. My name is Lisa. Let me thank you for such an informative site.
- 2003-03-22 02:07
This is a great site thanks to all of your hard work I have been able to find the place a family member died in 1888 and also the home to my father in law from the age of 5 to 18 many thanks
Vivien <vivien.w@blueyonder.co.uk>
Tyne & Wear, UK - 2003-03-16 22:07
This is a great site! I can tell you put alot of work into it!
Holl <holliebeanie@cox.net>
USA - 2003-03-15 23:53
This website rockz this world ! ! !
*Angel* + ^Devil^ <amelia.tho@jis.edu.bn>
UK - 2003-03-14 02:10
I am very impressed with the website. However, I am particularly interested in the treatment of 'idiots, imbeciles, moral defectives' and disabled people in general as I work with a drama group with learning difficulties. We are producing a piece about workhouse conditions and although your site is very informative, there does not appear to be a great deal of information particularly relevant to them.
Karen Sheader <ksheader_ca2@hotmail.com>
Hartlepool, UK - 2003-03-12 16:45
Tried to link to some sites without success.One was Surrey History service.Barbara
Barbara Hamilton <barbeham@hotmail.com>
Verdun, QC, Canada UK - 2003-03-10 19:33
This is a wonderful website. Thank you for all your hard work. I am a novelist and I found this page very useful. How can anyone read this and run down the modern welfare state! Do these people want to return to the workhouse system? They were nothing but concentration camps. Thanks again, Beryl Flecher, Hamilton, New Zealand
Beryl Fletcher
NZ - 2003-03-20
The guestbook had a fault from March 1st-10th and entries were lost - apologies to all those concerned.
Peter Higginbotham
UK - 2003-03-10 11:46
A very nice and interesting site. I shall be using this site a lot. i am trying to find info and pictures of the Workhouse in Moon Street near the city centre of bristol. I was also told that my father was born in this workhouse in 1920.
Mike Smith <cuffs@lineone.net>
UK - 2003-03-01 18:11
A very nice and interesting site. I shall be using this site a lot. i am trying to find info and pictures of the Workhouse in Moon Street near the city centre of bristol. I was also told that my father was born in this workhouse in 1920.
Mike Smith <cuffs@lineone.net>
UK - 2003-03-01 18:09
This is a very informative web site. My Grandfather William BACON was a Porter at Tha Caistor, Lincolnshire Workhouse in 1851. I am searching for information as to when he started and departed this job.
William Bacon <wbacon8514@aol.com>
Copperas Cove, Texas USA - 2003-02-28 22:27
What can I say? Excellent site!! I now have a numb bum from sitting so long and reading it.......just couldnt leave it. Well done and many thanks for all your hard work and research. It will prove to be a great help to many people, young and old. It's certainly helped with my own family research.
Diane
West Mids UK - 2003-02-23 13:29
This was an excellent website! It was very helpful for one of my projects on the Poor Laws!
Megan
USA - 2003-02-20 23:15
Yo yo yo, chars to u geeks who bothered to write this tripe. Na only kiddin you did a great job. Thank u and have a nice day.
Pete, Paul and Nick
Bournemouth, Dorset UK - 2003-02-20 11:17
Brilliant! I cant say how useful this site has been before the topic seeemd so dry and now i am literally oozing with the thrill for the New Poor Law THANK YOU!!!!!
Barry Bonds
UK - 2003-02-20 11:09
very interesting site but i wonder if anyone can help i am trying to find info or pics on the old workhouse building in rowley regis w.mids, i cant seem to find anything anywhere. my greatnan lived there and my nan and her siblings where all born there, plz plz help.lisaxx
lisa <grennan89@hotmail.com>
w.mids UK - 2003-02-19 16:50
I am doing a project on charles dickens and i couldnt find a site anywhere then i came across this site it has everything i need to know!
Amy <pinkbaby84@hotmail.com>
Age 11, UK - 2003-02-19 00:01
Brilliant website. A big help with my family research Keep it up
B Marriott <bazmaz41@btopenworld.com>
leicester, LEICESTERSHIRE UK - 2003-02-15 18:47
A very helpful site for my Uni assignment. Particularly liked all the information about Abingdon as this is where I am from originally. Good stuff!
Rebecca
Lincoln UK - 2003-02-15 17:18
Well written, well presented, and a wealth of information - an absolute delight and a shining example for anyone considering developing a website.
Keith Davey
Mississauga, Ontario Canada - 2003-02-14 19:10
this website really helped my schoolwork thanx!!!!!!!!1
loz
UK - 2003-02-13 12:05
This is a wonderful site - there can be few of us who did not have ancestors who experienced this misery, and to explore your site is to meet the ghosts who might have been us. I'm particularly interested in workhouse chapels; my Suffolk Churches website at www.suffolkchurches.co.uk currently has entries for the chapels at Oulton and Shipmeadow workhouses. If anyone has any information about these or other Suffolk workhouse chapels, particularly dedications, I'd be thrilled to hear from you.
Simon <simon@suffolkchurches.co.uk>
Ipswich, Suffolk UK - 2003-02-12 22:35
An incredibly absorbing and intriguing site - the very best of its kind. More than adequately comprehensive, informative and engrossing. A great accomplishment.
Emma Kate <petal_3@tpg.com.au>
Damascus, Syria - 2003-02-02 04:17
Hello, I have just recently found this site and have had a great time reading and gathering information. I am looking for information on the Ponteland Cottage Homes, that were for Children orphaned and from unwed Mothers, (era would be 1900-1910). I cannot seem to gain any inforamtion from the Church records. Nor from any one institution in England with regards to records etc. I am given to beleive my Father was placed in this home at a very early age and left in 1913, to apprentice, then came to Canada. Does anyone else out there have any information they can share with me? I am amazed that so much work gone into this site and that there are so many readers that have similar problems trying to find information..My Father was a good man and had great morals and his life in England he never spoke of but he told he before he passed away that life over there in the Ophanage was horrid.
Ellen Carr Gunn <egunn@telus.net>
British Columbia , Canada - 2003-01-31 05:56
i luv this website and it is very good and i like to find out stuff about the work houses and im in my english lesson at school looking at this really cool website.
Rosie <rjuk54@hotmail.com>
wolverhampton, codsall UK - 2003-01-30 10:28
BRILLIANT WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!! this web site is amazing, I especialy love the MORCHUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam <8pg27@codsall-middle.staffs.uk>
wolverhampton, codsall UK - 2003-01-30 10:27
Hi........I found this site by surfing through the net......I am doing research on my grandmothers background. I have within my possession a card that she was presented at the time of her admittence in the National Orthopaedic Hospital in 1898. I was excited to have found the hospital at its current address plus the address of the former hospital Again, most interesting to those of us who are looking for any little tidbits that pass our way. Cheryl
Cheryl <dc.schopff@sk.sympatico.ca>
Kindersley, Saskatchewan Canada - 2003-01-29 20:46
does anyone have any information of the edmonton workhouse middx and chasefarm school my grandmother was born there in 1899 she has since oassed away at the grand age of 84 she had 3 brothers she had not seen since she was 13yrs old or her mother for that matter i would like to find out what happened to them she lived with a william finchamher brother father is beleived to be w fincham they lived in sebastipole rd edmonton middx
angela danison(wallis fincham) <angela@danison.freesreve.co.uk>
UK - 2003-01-29 16:28
The tour was not very up-yo-date. I kept getting stuk in zee jimmers cell from aking fror mor.
Naotaka Yi <Yi@nihhon.co.jp>
Osaka, Honshu Japan - 2003-01-28 15:40
Great site. Does anyone know the address of the Kingston upon THames workhouse in 1901. Thanks
Jean Goddard <godardj@northnet.org>
Constable, New York U.S.A - 2003-01-28 04:35
thankyou for such an amazing website, i am currently in year 11 at penistone grammar school, our sixth form centre used to be the penistone workhouse. i have been interested in the history of workhouses for quite a long time and when i found this website i found it so informative. thankyou again Gareth
Gareth Bedford <Gbedfez@aol.com>
Barnsley, S.yorks UK - 2003-01-27 13:16
Your website is very informative. Thank you for your great effort, especially with reference to "FERMOY", County Cork, Ireland. If you have some time, there is a cordial welcome for you to visit my website. Here is a short excerpt from this week's story, "Rísteárd Where on the isle, Receptive was your place of birth? Receptive with heaviness I was born within the walls of what was once known as a Union Workhouse, but which by the year of my birth was looked upon as merely being the local hospital. The actual wing itself in which I was born in has since been demolished. Rísteárd In the time of your birth it was but a local hospital, Receptive with a convenient maternity section serving the local community. Why then do you need to be hurting yourself by making any connection with its former shameful role and name?" Good Health & Many Blessings for the New Year! Sojourner
Sojourner <quietman@RespectNature.com >
Isle of Éire - 2003-01-25 15:11
pls i made it on this website so hi to every one that iknow, this is also a very useful websit!!!!
cat <cat_2003@tcp.co.uk>
winchester, hampshire UK - 2003-01-19 22:29
Found your wonderful site this week after a recommendation via a message board. I have found a small reference to St. Brides, London on your site, but nothing more than the name. Does anyone know where I can find ANY information on this? I was also engrossed in the page on Southampton workhouse...I was so surprised to find that it is now Southampton City College, where I have studied in the past & my husband is currently a tutor there! Small world.
Deborah Mawdsley <el.lsa@lineone.net>
Southampton, UK - 2003-01-18 19:32
To find this site has been a fantastic gift. A briliant work, simple, rigorous and very effective. Thank you very much by sharing it. I will make new visits that considering the extension of the site they will have to be several.
Luis M. Cereceda <cereceda@eurosur.org>
Madrid, Spain - 2003-01-18 19:01
Brilliant site. really enjoyed, it will revisit many more times
barryplank <barryplank@ntlworld.com>
UK - 2003-01-16 23:02
Remarkable and authoritative effort. This is what the www is all about. I am very impressed indeed. I was particularly interested in the history of workhouses in North Yorkshire. I noticed that very little information was available for public consumption from the County Records Office in Northallerton about staff or inmates in institutions within their area of jurisdiction. I thought it worth mentioning that. My own experience trying to glean information of this type from Northallerton has left me extremely frustrated. Why do they have to be so damn secretive about everything. I travelled 12,000 miles to keep an appointment with a microfische viewer ib their offices. After an hour, (it took me that long to locate the canisters I wanted to start on), I was told to leave because my time was up and someone else had made a reservation. Fair enough so far. When I asked if they could fix me a time to return within the next two weeks of my stay a rather unhelpful and pretentious woman put me right in my place. There were, she said, many other people with more pressing and legitimate claims to access the information and the earliest date I could secure another appointment,(1 hour max), would be in 3 months time. Suffice to say I never completed my research, but your site has been extraordinarily helpful...up to the same point. Congratulations you can be very proud of what you've achieved. David Clarkson
david clarkson <davidwclarkson@hotmail.com>
christchurch, new zealand - 2003-01-12 08:45
Very interesting and informative site. Was fascinated to see that the Baptist Chapel at Southwell, Notts used to be the workhouse - been inside it. Thanks for an interesting browse. Regards, Aileen
Aileen Howard <aileen.howard@ntlworld.com>
Notts UK - 2003-01-10 15:09
Great site, thank you.
Brian <brian@oultonbroad.freeserve.co.uk>
Lowestoft, Suffolk UK - 2003-01-10 14:17
It's astonishing. Thank you
Sandro Pacilli <s.pacilli@medscape.com>
Rome, Italy - 2003-01-10 10:08
heya!! i'm 14 and doin a project on the workhouses. i'd have neva got through it wivout the help of ur site. its really helpful and it must have taken a lot of work to put it together. Thanx!!
xxxxx
Somerset UK - 2003-01-08 20:26
Great Website, easy to go through, and very well organized. You were a great help to my project, as far as information on workhouses. Unfortunately I wasn't able to access the Archives link, to look up a specific person I was looking for that came to Canada in 1871, supposedly from a workhouse, or reformatory or... (a home child). If you ever come across the name Samuel Hilton Rock, possibly from Larne Kilwaughter, County Antrim, please contact me. It would round out my research. Thanks again, great site! Veronica
Veronica Rock Cappadocia <vcappadocia@rogers.com>
Mississauga, Ontario Canada - 2003-01-07 02:49
Your site really helped me with my project! Thanks for making such a good informative site!
Erik <pluck43@yahoo.com>
USA - 2003-01-05 19:32
This would have to be one of the best websites I have ever visited. It is a remarkable and comprehensive accomplishment. Well done and best wishes to you. Belinda
Belinda <jitty@in.com.au>
Brisbane, QLD Australia - 2003-01-05 09:22
What an absorbing site, beautifully set out and full of interest. This is definitely going into my favourites.
Graham
Wakefield, West Yorkshire UK - 2003-01-04 16:36
An amazing peak into history. I was very impressed with Mr. Libbiard's memories.
Michael L.
Canada - 2003-01-04 10:57
I loved your website! It takes a lot of time and patience to create the beautiful work I found here. Thanks for the time you've spent sharing this excessive abundance of resources. Thanks again for the terrific website! Patrish
Patrish Blackstock <patrish@funbeaches.com>
Myrtle Beach, SC US - 2003-01-04 03:48
sweet kisses and the best wishes to 2003
betty
- 2003-01-02 10:19
nice page
jan
UK - 2003-01-02 10:19

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