Donthorn Collection

Union Workhouse, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
An aerial view of the Sleaford Union workhouse. Designed by William J Donthorn, the building was erected in 1837-8 on East Gate in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The site later became known as Slea View

Union Workhouse, Downham Market, Norfolk
The Downham Union workhouse at Downham Market, Norfolk. The building, designed by William J Donthorn, was erected in 1836. It later became the Howdale County Home

St Michaels Hospital, Aylsham, Norfolk. The building, designed by William J Donthorn, was erected in 1848-9 as the Aylsham Union Workhouse

Union Workhouse, Aylsham, Norfolk
The entrance driveway to Aylsham Union workhouse, Norfolk. The workhouse, designed by William J Donthorn, was erected in 1848-9 at Aylsham. It later became St Michaels Hospital

The Workhouse Infirmary, Thrapston, Northamptonshire
The infirmary at Thrapston Union workhouse in Northamptonshire designed by William J Donthorn. The establishment later adopted the name Cedar House. Date: Date unknown

Thrapston Union workhouse, Northamptonshire
The Thrapston Union workhouse in Northamptonshire designed by William J Donthorn. The establishment later adopted the name Cedar House. Date: circa 1920s

Peterborough Jail
The entrance to Peterborough Gaol (or Jail). The prison, designed by W J Donthorn, opened in 1842 but was closed in 1878. Part of the old building is now used as a restaurant. Date: 1905

Uppingham Auxiliary Hospital, Rutland
The Uppingham Auxiliary Hospital operated during World War One in the premises of the Uppingham Union workhouse, Leicester Road, Uppingham, Rutland

Wayland Union Workhouse, Rockland All Saints, Norfolk
The Wayland Union workhouse at Rockland All Saints, Norfolk. The building, erected in 1836-7, is believed to have been designed by William Thorold or William J Donthorn

Sinking an Artesian Well, Union Workhouse, Aylsham, Norfolk
The firm of F.H. Buckingham sinking an artesian well at Aylsham Union workhouse in 1923. The workhouse, designed by William J Donthorn, was erected in 1848-9 at Aylsham

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"Donthorn: Tracing the Footsteps of a Resilient Soul" Step back in time and uncover the remarkable journey of Donthorn, an individual whose life was shaped by various institutions across England. From humble beginnings at the Union Workhouse in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, to finding solace at St Michaels Hospital in Aylsham, Norfolk, Donthorn's story is one of resilience and determination. The Union Workhouses played a significant role in Donthorn's life as they provided shelter and support during challenging times. From Downham Market to Aylsham, Norfolk, these establishments became temporary homes for those seeking assistance. However, it was at The Wayland Union Workhouse in Rockland All Saints where Donthorn found stability amidst adversity. This place became a sanctuary for many individuals like him who sought refuge from their struggles. As fate would have it, illness struck Donthorn's path leading him to The Workhouse Infirmary in Thrapston, Northamptonshire. Here he received medical care and attention that helped him regain his strength. Notably resilient even behind bars, Peterborough Jail served as a turning point for Donthorn. It was here that he realized the importance of second chances and vowed to make positive changes upon his release. Returning once again to The Wayland Union Workhouse after his time incarcerated showcased both his determination and perseverance. This experience further fueled his desire for self-improvement and personal growth. In an unexpected twist of fate, Uppingham Auxiliary Hospital in Rutland became another chapter in Donthorn's extraordinary journey. Here he discovered compassion from healthcare professionals who nurtured not only physical wounds but also emotional scars left by past hardships. Donthorn's story serves as a testament to human resilience against all odds. Through countless trials faced within these institutions scattered across England - from workhouses to hospitals - he emerged stronger than ever before.