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Ongar Union Workhouse, Essex
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Ongar Union Workhouse, Essex
The main building of the Ongar Union Workhouse at Stanford Rivers in Essex. Date: 2000
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Media ID 7193605
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10530043
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Snapshot of History: Ongar Union Workhouse, Essex (2000). The Ongar Union Workhouse, located in Stanford Rivers, Essex, stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era in British social history. This photograph, taken in the year 2000, captures the main building of this once imposing institution, which was established to provide relief and shelter for the destitute, the elderly, and the infirm during the Victorian era. Workhouses, such as Ongar Union, were a key component of the English Poor Law system that came into effect in 1834. These institutions were designed to enforce strict work discipline and provide a deterrent to able-bodied paupers who might otherwise rely on charitable relief or parish rates. Inmates were required to work long hours in exchange for their keep, with the aim of instilling a sense of self-reliance and industry. The architecture of the Ongar Union Workhouse reflects the institutional nature of the building, with its long, narrow design and imposing facade. The windows, set high above the ground, were deliberately small to prevent inmates from looking out and becoming distracted from their work. The building's austere appearance stands in stark contrast to the warm, inviting homes that many of us enjoy today. Despite their harsh reputation, workhouses played a crucial role in providing for the most vulnerable members of society during a time when poverty and destitution were commonplace. Today, the Ongar Union Workhouse stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who lived and worked within its walls, as well as a reminder of the social and historical context that shaped their lives. This photograph, taken from Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing us with a valuable insight into the history of social welfare and the lives of the paupers who sought refuge within the walls of the Ongar Union Workhouse.
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