Stone-breaking cell in a workhouse
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Stone-breaking cell in a workhouse
Illustration showing a workhouse stone-breaking cell. Tramps and vagrants broke stones in return for a nights accommodation Date: circa 1909
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14248305
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
Accommodation Break Breaker Breaking Broke Cell Grille Ramp Return Shovel Shovelling Sleep Smash Smashes Smashing Spade Stay Stones Tramps Vagrant Vagrants Workhouse Workhouses
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Night's Shelter in Exchange for Hard Labor: The Stone-Breaking Cell in a Victorian Workhouse" This evocative illustration portrays a grim aspect of Victorian workhouse life, specifically the stone-breaking cell where tramps and vagrants were compelled to work in order to secure a night's accommodation. Dated circa 1909, the image offers a stark depiction of the harsh realities faced by those who found themselves destitute and without the means to support themselves. The stone-breaking cell, a bleak and forbidding structure, is filled with men, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair. They are engaged in the laborious task of breaking stones, their shovels and spades raised high, ready to smash the next piece. The cell is surrounded by a high, iron grille, serving as both a barrier and a symbol of confinement. The tramps and vagrants, having no other recourse, returned to the workhouse to seek refuge. Their only means of earning a place to sleep was through their physical labor, breaking stones day after day. The repetitive, grueling work took a heavy toll on their bodies, leaving them battered and worn. The historical significance of this image lies in its portrayal of the workhouse system, which was intended to provide relief for the poor but often resulted in inhumane conditions. The stone-breaking cell is a poignant reminder of the hardships endured by those who were forced to rely on the mercy of the workhouse in order to survive. The tools of their labor, shovels and spades, are scattered throughout the cell, a testament to the relentless toil that was required for even the most basic of necessities. The image serves as a powerful reminder of the past, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in a Victorian workhouse.
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