Interior of Middlesex House of Detention, Clerkenwell

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Interior of Middlesex House of Detention, Clerkenwell

Interior of the Middlesex House of Detention at Clerkenwell. Date: 1862

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Media ID 7178739

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10512926

Clerkenwell Detention Middlesex Pauper Workhouse

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the grim interior of the Middlesex House of Detention at Clerkenwell, taken in the year 1862. The House of Detention, also known as a workhouse, was a place of last resort for the destitute and paupers in Victorian London. The image reveals a stark and austere environment, with long, bare corridors and dimly lit cells. The photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of those who were forced to reside in such conditions. The cells, each with a simple iron bed and a thin mattress, appear cramped and uncomfortable. The walls are adorned with peeling wallpaper and the floor is covered in a layer of dirt and debris. The atmosphere is one of silence, isolation, and despair. The Middlesex House of Detention was designed to be a deterrent for those who refused to work or were unable to support themselves. The inmates were expected to perform menial tasks to earn their keep, such as breaking stones or working in the laundry. The conditions were harsh and the work was grueling, but it was better than the alternative of starvation on the streets. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of poverty and destitution in Victorian England. It offers a glimpse into a time when the social safety net was weak, and the plight of the poor was often ignored or overlooked. The image is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who endured such hardships, and the importance of providing support and care for those in need.

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