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Union Workhouse, Easthampstead, Berkshire
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Union Workhouse, Easthampstead, Berkshire
A distant view of the Easthampstead Union workhouse, Berkshire, opened in about 1836, in buildings adapted from former almshouses. The nearby church of St Mary Magdalen and St Michael appears at the left of the picture
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Media ID 4464289
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10415917
1830s 1836 Adapted Almshouse Berkshire Charity Homeless Homelessness L Aw Legislation Magdalen Michael Pauper Paupers Poor Poverty Workhouse Workhouses
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph, taken in 1912, captures a distant view of the Easthampstead Union Workhouse in Berkshire, England. The workhouse, which opened around 1836, was built in adapted former almshouses, reflecting the changing social landscape of the time. The image offers a glimpse into a period when charitable institutions and legislation were the primary means of addressing poverty and homelessness in rural areas. The Union Workhouse was a place of last resort for the destitute, the paupers who could not support themselves. The harsh conditions and demeaning treatment meted out to its residents were intended to deter able-bodied individuals from seeking relief, while providing a safety net for the truly needy. The architecture of the workhouse, with its imposing facade and barred windows, underscores the institutional nature of the facility. To the left of the photograph, the church of St Mary Magdalen and St Michael stands proudly, a beacon of hope and compassion in the community. The presence of the church underscores the role of religion in providing support and solace to the poor during this era. The 1830s saw the passage of the Poor Law Amendment Act, which led to the establishment of the Union Workhouse system in England. This system, which replaced the old parish-based system, aimed to provide a more efficient and cost-effective means of caring for the poor. The Easthampstead Union Workhouse is a testament to this period in history, a time when the needs of the community were met through a combination of charitable giving and legislative measures. As we view this photograph, we are transported back in time, to an era when the plight of the poor and homeless was a pressing concern, and the role of the community in addressing these issues was paramount. The image serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the collective responsibility to care for those in need.
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