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Bridport Union Workhouse, Dorset
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Bridport Union Workhouse, Dorset
The entrance and main block of the Bridport Union Workhouse, Dorset. The building, which dates from 1837, was designed by Henry J Whitling. Date: 2000
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Media ID 7193513
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10530024
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: The Enigmatic Facade of Bridport Union Workhouse, Dorset (1837) 2. Subtitle: A Window into the Past: Unraveling the History of Bridport Union Workhouse, Dorset 3.. The entrance and main block of Bridport Union Workhouse, Dorset, as captured in this evocative photograph from the year 2000, stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Designed by Henry J. Whitling and completed in 1837, this imposing structure was a cornerstone of the English welfare system during the Victorian era. The Bridport Union Workhouse was established to provide relief for the destitute, the infirm, and the elderly within the Bridport Union, an administrative body responsible for the welfare of its parishioners. This architectural marvel, with its distinctive Gothic Revival style, was a symbol of the paternalistic approach to social welfare that dominated the 19th century. The workhouse system, which began in the late 16th century, was a stark contrast to the contemporary poor relief system, which relied on charitable donations and parish rates. Under the new workhouse regime, able-bodied paupers were required to work in exchange for their keep, while the infirm and elderly were provided with shelter and care. The entrance to the Bridport Union Workhouse is adorned with intricate carvings and a grand archway, hinting at the institutional nature of the building. The main block, with its tall, narrow windows, would have housed the dining hall, the master's quarters, and the infirmary. The workhouse also featured a school, a chapel, and various workshops, where paupers could engage in tasks such as spinning, weaving, and shoemaking. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, inviting us to reflect on the complex history of the workhouse system and the lives of those who sought refuge within its walls. The Bridport Union Workhouse, with its enigmatic facade, stands as a testament to the intricacies of social welfare in Victorian England.
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