UK-WORKHOUSE-HOSP-L Archives

Archiver > UK-WORKHOUSE-HOSP > 2001-11 > 1004752090


From: "Rossbret" <>
Subject: Re: [UK-W&H] Welcome
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 01:48:10 -0000
References: <1D5B35492D7AD411B08400508B66694401646220@centex02.rta.nsw.gov.au>


Hello Vivienne and Martin,
All workhouses ceased to function as such in 1930 and the functions of the
Guardians of the poor were transferred to Local Authorities. They were then
administered by different Committee's depending on the nature and type of
the institution.
Many Workhouse Infirmary's by this time were already considered "Hospitals"
but from this time they took on the official title and were administered by
the Public Health Committee.
Workhouses themselves became Public Assistance Institutions and were
administered by Public Assistance Committee. The people in this group were
"chronic" cases ie the Elderly which developed over a period of time into an
early Geriatric service hence a number of workhouse buildings became
Geriatric Hospitals and Elderly Nursing Homes, long term infirm, tramps and
casuals which developed into Part II accommodation and able bodied elderly
which developed into part III accommodation (now known as sheltered housing)
Please note that I have condensed a very long development history into 4
lines - nothing happened over night.
Many of the cottage homes transferred to the Education Committee.

As regions amalgamated and merged services would be restructured and many
buildings closed. This happened progressively since 1930.

The largest change in recent years was the Government's "Care in the
Community" which ultimately led to the rapid closure of most of the large
Mental Hospitals formerly the County Lunatic Asylums, and many of the
buildings making way for Housing Development.

Hope this helps,
All the best, Jan
www.rossbret.org.uk

----- Original Message -----
From: "SUNNER Martin" <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2001 1:07 AM
Subject: RE: [UK-W&H] Welcome

> Are you stating that ALL workhouses closed en masse in 1930?
> If a person who died in 1936 had the place of death given as '129
Haslingden
> Rd" (the address of Blackburn Workhouse) is this to suggest that they died
> in a hospital rather than a workhouse?


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