Forums Forums Wirral History : Chasing the Past Wirral History Birkenhead Union Workhouse

There's plenty on here about the Workhouse history, this just a few snippets that may be of interest.

At a meeting in 1862 concern was raised over the price of the land it was to be built on, gone from £6000 to £8000.
There was opposition to paying this amount and proposals were put forward to build the workhouse on Bidston Hill.
Reasons being, cheaper, healthier and it wouldn't upset the town folk.

In 1866 the workhouse accepted 40 Emigrants form the cholera ridden steamer Helvetia, mainly German and Swiss bound for America.
They were taken in to stop the spread of the disease amongst the town.

In 1887 an inquiry was held in to the cost of alcohol used in the workhouse. It cost the Birkenhead workhouse 7s-2d per inmate per annum as opposed to the Liverpool workhouse which cost
2s-0d per inmate per annum.
They accepted they had to try and reduce the cost but accepted the Doctor used it on inmates as a stimulant.

1920 a cinema was introduced.

In 1873 a new Governor and Master was hired, Thomas Williams, 1831-1887 who had previously been Master of the workhouse in Barton upon Irwell.
Thomas was Pvt Thomas Williams, 11th Hussars and took part in the charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava.

There's many examples of punishment handed out to inmates for failing to carry out work allotted to them,

One example in 1890, Jacob Stacey a healthy looking man was charged when he refused to break 10cwt of stone.
The Doctor passed him fit to do so and he was sent to gaol for ten days with hard labour.

1900, The Board of Guardians sanctioned swimming lessons for all girls in the workhouse.

1900, Deaths were reported and attributed to arsenic poisoning and at the inquest 30 cases of Peripheral Neuritis was also brought to light.
It was caused by beer being made from Malt and Hops alone.
An analyst investigated and warned brewers against using Arsenical Malt.

In 1873, A proposal was made to put lighting behind the workhouse in Derby Rd, opposition was raised on the grounds if people wanted to enter the workhouse they might want to do it in the dark.

1885,
The Guardians wanted tenders to build Wards for the Insane, to have sight of the plans and requirements one Guinea was charged and redeemed when the tender was submitted.