Swavesey and District History Society

22 April.  The Workhouse and Poorhouse – 700 years of old and new Poor Laws.  Colin Chapman.  The Poor Law of 1601 levied a mandatory poor rate on every parish.  Those who were too ill, old, destitute, or who were orphaned children were put into a local ‘workhouse’ or ‘poorhouse’.  These were tax-supported residential institutions started as a method of providing a less expensive (to the taxpayers) alternative to what we would nowadays call “welfare”.  Poor housing conditions included leaking pipes or roofs, inadequate heating and, in due course, dangerous electrical wiring.  In November of 1845 the diet of the inmates consisted primarily of bread, meat, potatoes, sweet milk, sour milk, oatmeal and tea.

At least half of our members live in Over, including our Secretary.  The History Society meets at 7.30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month in The Carol Shaw Room at Swavesey Village College – through the main entrance then 20 metres along the corridor to the right.  No need to book so you are welcome to just walk in.  If you want further information, contact our Secretary, Carolyn on carolyn.redmayne@ntlworld.com or on 01954 230037.