A survey in 1776 recorded almost 2,000 parish workhouses operating in England, while the number in Wales was just nineteen. The New Poor Law of 1834 proved equally unattractive in much of Wales - some parts of the country resisted providing a workhouse until the 1870s, with Rhayader in Radnorshire being the last area in the whole of England and Wales to do so.

Our image of these institutions has often been coloured by the work of authors such as Charles Dickens, but what was the reality? Where exactly were these workhouses located - and what happened to them?

People are often surprised to discover that a familiar building was once a workhouse. Revealing locations steeped in social history, Workhouses of Wales and the Welsh Borders is a comprehensive and copiously illustrated guide to the workhouses that were set up across Wales and the border counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. It provides an insight into the contemporary attitudes towards such institutions as well as their construction and administration, what life was like for the inmates, and where to find their records today.

About the Author
Peter Higginbotham has been researching workhouses for almost 20 years and has published extensively on the subject. In 2015 he was awarded the Society of Genealogists' prestigious 'Certificate of Recognition' for his 'dedication in compiling extensive information on workhouses and children's homes and making it widely available.' He has made many media appearances including on several episodes of the BBC TV shows 'Who Do You Think You Are?' and 'Heir Hunters'. He lives in West Yorkshire.

Reviews
"I certainly will be keeping the book to hand and recommend it to those who already have already have an interest in the Poor Law and workhouses in England and Wales, or would like to further their research." * Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9780750994880
Author Peter Higginbotham
Format Paperback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd