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Williton Union Workhouse, Somerset
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Williton Union Workhouse, Somerset
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7193435
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10530055
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Glimpse into the Past: Williton Union Workhouse, Somerset Williton Union Workhouse, located in the picturesque town of Williton in Somerset, England, stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. This imposing building, now a listed historic site, once served as a place of last resort for the destitute, the infirm, and the vulnerable during the Victorian era. The photograph, taken by an unknown artist, captures the Workhouse's austere facade, with its high, cold windows and barbed wire-topped walls, reflecting the harsh realities of life for its inhabitants. The image is a stark contrast to the idyllic countryside that surrounds it, underscoring the isolation and hardship endured by those who sought refuge within its walls. The Workhouse system, established in 1722, was a key component of the English Poor Laws. It aimed to provide a deterrent to idleness and to ensure that the able-bodied poor were forced to work in exchange for their meager sustenance. Conditions within the Workhouse were deliberately harsh, with long hours, monotonous work, and meager rations intended to discourage entry. In this photograph, we can see the Workhouse's main building, with its symmetrical layout and grand entrance, flanked by smaller, functional structures such as the bakehouse and the laundry. The image offers a glimpse into the lives of the paupers who once resided there, their stories etched into the very bricks and mortar of this historic edifice. Today, the Williton Union Workhouse stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of a chapter in English history that is both challenging and thought-provoking. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the past, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of our social and economic history and the ongoing debates surrounding poverty, welfare, and the role of the state in providing for its citizens.
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