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Dining Hall, Holborn Union Workhouse, Mitcham, Surrey
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Dining Hall, Holborn Union Workhouse, Mitcham, Surrey
A view from the rear of the dining hall cum chapel (also known as the Great Hall) at what is thought to be the Holborn Union workhouse at Merton Lane, Mitcham, Surrey. The uniformed inmates sit at benches in segregated sections - the able-bodied men can be seen at the rear of the hall nearest the camera
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Media ID 4470527
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10424775
Benches Bodied Catering Chapel Dining Holborn Inmates L Aw Lane Merton Mitcham Poor Poverty Segregated Segregation Surrey Workhouse Workhouses 1907
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This evocative photograph captures a moment in time at the Holborn Union Workhouse in Mitcham, Surrey, circa 1907. The image offers a glimpse into the daily life of the institution, which served as a place of last resort for the poor and destitute. The Dining Hall, also known as the Great Hall or Chapel, is depicted from the rear, revealing segregated seating areas for the inmates. The able-bodied men, dressed in uniform, can be seen occupying the benches nearest the camera. The uniformed attire was a requirement for all inmates as a means of instilling discipline and order within the workhouse. The segregation of the inmates was a common practice in workhouses during the Edwardian era, reflecting the societal beliefs of the time regarding the deserving and undeserving poor. The dining hall served multiple purposes, including meals and religious services. The long, narrow space is adorned with simple wooden benches and tables, with a large fireplace at one end. The atmosphere is somber, with the inmates appearing focused on their meals or lost in thought. The Holborn Union Workhouse at Merton Lane in Mitcham was one of many such institutions established in England during the 19th century to provide relief for the poor. The conditions within these workhouses were often harsh and inhumane, with the intention of deterring able-bodied individuals from entering poverty. This photograph offers a poignant reminder of a bygone era, when poverty and destitution were more visible in society and the plight of the poor was a topic of national debate.
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