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Taunton Union Workhouse, Somerset
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Taunton Union Workhouse, Somerset
The entrance block of the Taunton Union Workhouse, Somerset. The building was designed by Sampson Kempthorne. The site later became Trinity Hospital. Date: 2000
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Media ID 7193209
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10530048
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Past Era of Social Welfare: Taunton Union Workhouse, Somerset (2000). The Taunton Union Workhouse, located in Taunton, Somerset, England, stands as a testament to a bygone era of social welfare and the stark realities of Victorian-era poverty relief. Designed by renowned architect Sampson Kempthorne in the mid-19th century, this imposing building served as a place of last resort for the destitute and the needy. The entrance block of the Taunton Union Workhouse, as depicted in this photograph taken in the year 2000, exudes an air of solemnity and restraint. The symmetrical design, with its grand arches and intricate stonework, is a stark contrast to the hardships endured by those who sought refuge within its walls. At the time, workhouses were the primary means of providing relief for the poor, the sick, and the elderly. In exchange for shelter and sustenance, inmates were required to work, often in laborious and monotonous tasks, to contribute to the upkeep of the institution. This system, known as the "Speenhamland System," was intended to discourage idleness and encourage self-sufficiency. However, life inside the workhouse was far from easy. Conditions were often harsh, with long hours, meager rations, and little comfort. The Taunton Union Workhouse, like many others, became a symbol of the social and economic hardships faced by the working class during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the Taunton Union Workhouse stands as a reminder of a past era, a time when the social safety net was far less comprehensive than it is today. The site later became Trinity Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community, marking a significant shift in the role of the building and the welfare system as a whole.
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