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Market Hill and former workhouse, Maldon
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Market Hill and former workhouse, Maldon
A view of Market Hill, Maldon, Essex. The large building at the left is the Maldon Unions former workhouse. Date: circa 1900
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11808066
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
Condition Essex Homeless Homelessness Legislation Maldon Pauper Paupers Poor Poverty Unions Workhouse Workhouses
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Bleak Past: Market Hill, Maldon, Essex - A Scene of Poverty and Hardship, Circa 1900 This evocative photograph, captured circa 1900, presents a striking view of Market Hill in the historic town of Maldon, Essex. The image transports us back in time, offering a poignant glimpse into the social conditions of the late Victorian era. The large building on the left, standing proud against the backdrop of Market Hill, is the former workhouse of the Maldon Union. Workhouses were institutions established under the English Poor Law of 1601, later amended in 1834, to provide shelter, food, and employment for the destitute and the able-bodied poor. The system aimed to deter pauperism by forcing the able-bodied to work in exchange for relief, while the infirm and the elderly were cared for. However, the living conditions within these institutions were often harsh and inhumane, leading to widespread criticism and reforms. The photograph reveals a somber scene, with the workhouse looming large and imposing over the market town. The contrast between the bustling activity on Market Hill and the desolate appearance of the workhouse serves as a stark reminder of the social divide and the harsh realities of poverty in Victorian England. The image also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Poor Laws and the moral and ethical dilemmas they posed. As we contemplate this evocative scene, we are reminded of the complex social and political issues that shaped the lives of our ancestors and continue to influence our society today. The photograph stands as a testament to the enduring power of visual storytelling and the importance of understanding our past to inform our present.
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