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Wareham and Purbeck Union Workhouse
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Wareham and Purbeck Union Workhouse
The former Wareham and Purbeck Union Workhouse at Wareham, Dorset. The site later became Christmas Close Hospital. Date: 2000
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Media ID 7193293
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Place of Last Resort: The Wareham and Purbeck Union Workhouse, Dorset, England, 2000" This evocative photograph captures the imposing presence of the former Wareham and Purbeck Union Workhouse, situated in the picturesque town of Wareham, Dorset, England. The image offers a glimpse into the past, revealing a time when the workhouse system was the last resort for the destitute, the infirm, and the elderly. The workhouse, a stark contrast to the idyllic surroundings of Wareham, was built in the mid-19th century to provide relief and shelter to the poor and needy. The institution was established under the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which aimed to reform the haphazard and often cruel workhouse system that had existed prior to the reform. The photograph reveals the grand, yet austere, architecture of the workhouse. Its high, arched windows, imposing gates, and expansive grounds were designed to instill discipline and order among the inmates. The workhouse was a place where paupers were required to work in exchange for their keep, often in harsh and laborious conditions. The inmates were segregated by gender and age, and were subjected to strict rules and regulations. Despite the harsh conditions, the workhouse served an essential role in the community. It provided a safety net for those who had nowhere else to turn, offering them shelter, food, and the opportunity to learn new skills. The workhouse also served as a vital resource during times of economic hardship and social upheaval. The former Wareham and Purbeck Union Workhouse later became Christmas Close Hospital, providing care for the elderly and infirm. Today, the site stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, a time when the workhouse was the last refuge for those in need. This photograph invites us to reflect on the complex history of the workhouse system and the lives of those who were forced to seek refuge within its walls.
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