A-Z: General definitions: Workhouse

Definition

A system was developed in the 17th century to ease the burden of the poor on the parish. Workhouses were set up where those poor unable to support themselves could receive board and lodgings in exchange for work. The workhouse also took in orphaned children, the disabled, the sick and unmarried mothers. Conditions were designed to be harsh enough to deter all but the destitute from applying for help.

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