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Union Workhouse, Morpeth, Northumberland
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Union Workhouse, Morpeth, Northumberland
People walk over stepping stones across the River Wansbeck at Morpeth, Northumberland, with the Morpeth Union workhouse towering above them (centre of picture). The workhouse, designed by Frederick R Wilson, was erected in 1865-7 on Newgate Street
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Media ID 4418094
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10418645
1865 Frederick L Aw Morpeth New Gate North Umberland Poor Poverty Stepping Stones Wilson Workhouse Workhouses 1860s Wansbeck
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the stark contrast between the picturesque scene of people crossing the stepping stones over the River Wansbeck in Morpeth, Northumberland, and the imposing presence of the Union Workhouse towering above them. The Union Workhouse, designed by Frederick R. Wilson, was erected on Newgate Street between 1865 and 1867, during a time when poverty and destitution were rampant in rural areas of England. The Victorian-era workhouse was a last resort for the poor, the sick, and the destitute. Those who could not support themselves were forced to enter the workhouse in exchange for shelter, food, and the bare essentials. The workhouse system was a product of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which aimed to reduce the number of paupers by making the workhouse a less desirable option than outdoor relief. The Union Workhouse in Morpeth was built to accommodate up to 450 inmates. The design was intended to be deterrent, with its high walls, barred windows, and imposing architecture. Inside, inmates were subjected to harsh living conditions and forced labor. Despite its unappealing reputation, the workhouse played an important role in the history of social welfare in England. It served as a precursor to modern social services, providing a safety net for those in need during times of hardship. Today, the Morpeth Union Workhouse stands as a reminder of a bygone era, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of compassion and care for the most vulnerable members of society.
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