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Beaminster Union Workhouse, Dorset
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Beaminster Union Workhouse, Dorset
The entrance block of the Beaminster Union Workhouse, Dorset, opened in 1838. The architects of the building were HJ Whitling and Edward Mundey. Date: 2000
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Media ID 7193735
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10530016
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Place of Last Resort: The Entrance Block of Beaminster Union Workhouse, Dorset, 1838" The entrance block of Beaminster Union Workhouse, Dorset, stands as a poignant reminder of the past, a testament to the history of social welfare and the plight of the pauper in 19th century England. Opened in 1838, this imposing structure was designed by architects HJ Whitling and Edward Mundey to accommodate the growing number of destitute and needy in the community. The Workhouse system, established under the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, aimed to provide relief to the able-bodied poor, while discouraging idleness and dependency. In return for a basic subsistence, inmates were required to work, often in harsh and demeaning conditions. The entrance block of Beaminster Union Workhouse reflects the austere and forbidding nature of these institutions, with its high walls, barred windows, and imposing gatehouse. The Workhouse was a place of last resort for those who had no other means of support. The harsh realities of life outside its walls often drove people to seek refuge within, despite the stigma and hardships that came with it. The image captures the somber and solemn atmosphere of the entrance block, a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of those who lived and worked within its walls. The passage of time has not diminished the significance of the Beaminster Union Workhouse. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era, a time when the social safety net was woven from the fabric of community and compassion, albeit with a harsh and unforgiving edge. Today, the building stands as a historical monument, a testament to the resilience and determination of those who sought refuge within its walls, and a reminder of the importance of social welfare and the safety net it provides for those in need.
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