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.