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Stepney Union Workhouse, London
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Stepney Union Workhouse, London
A view of the Stepney Union Workhouse on St Leonards Street, Bromley-by-Bow. The building, opened in 1863, was designed by Henry Jarvis. Date: Date unknown
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Media ID 14147670
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
1863 Jarvis Leonards Opened Stepney Workhouse Bromley By Bow Designed
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Stepney Union Workhouse: A Glimpse into Victorian-era Social Welfare (Stepney Union Workhouse, St. Leonards Street, Bromley-by-Bow, London) This evocative photograph offers a glimpse into the past, revealing the imposing facade of the Stepney Union Workhouse, located on St. Leonards Street in Bromley-by-Bow, London. The building, designed by Henry Jarvis and opened in 1863, stands as a testament to the social welfare system of the Victorian era. During this time, the workhouse system was the primary means of providing relief for the poor, the sick, and the destitute. The Stepney Union Workhouse, like many others, was designed to be a self-sufficient institution, with its own farmlands, bakery, laundry, and even a school for the children of the inmates. The building's architecture reflects the institutional nature of the workhouse, with its tall, imposing chimneys, barred windows, and grand entranceway. The interior of the workhouse was stark and Spartan, with inmates expected to perform tasks such as sewing, weaving, or farming in exchange for their keep. Conditions were often harsh, with long hours, meager rations, and strict discipline. The workhouse was a last resort for those who had no other means of support, and the stigma attached to being an inmate was significant. Despite the challenges and hardships faced by those who lived and worked in the workhouse, it played a crucial role in providing relief and support to the most vulnerable members of society during a time when the welfare safety net was limited. Today, the Stepney Union Workhouse stands as a reminder of the past, offering a glimpse into the social and historical context of Victorian-era Britain.
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