Ep 10: A Journey through UK's Workhouse History with Peter Higginbotham

Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast

Get ready to step into the time machine with me, Michala, and our esteemed guest, Peter Higginbotham, also known as "Mr Workhouse". We're geared up to take you on a fascinating exploration of the history and evolution of workhouses in the UK. Join us as we unravel how this historical shift led to the Poor Relief Act of 1601, the Workhouse Test Act of 1720, and the boom of parish workhouses in the 1700s.
We'll then take a deep breath and plunge into the 19th-century workhouse system. Together, we will examine the stark realities of segregation, stringent routines, and the meals that awaited the unfortunate inhabitants. We'll also take a peek at the workhouse cookbook to get a sense of the culinary experiences within. Our conversation will also bring to light the admission process, the religious practices, and the medical care offered to these inmates. This isn't your regular history lesson - we're going beyond the facts to grasp the human experience inside these walls.
But hold on; our journey doesn't end there! We will discuss the concept of scattered homes that emerged in the 1890s, and the differences between them and cottage homes. We'll try to understand how children within the workhouse system fared compared to those outside of it, and how Peter Higginbottom's fascination with workhouses led him to create his detailed database. This is more than just retracing history; it's about understanding how the past has left an indelible imprint on the present. So, strap in and prepare for a history lesson you won't forget!
To contact Michala, visit www.michalahulme.com
Peter's workhouse website is www.workhouses.org.uk
To watch the Oswestry Workhouse edition of Channel 4's The Great British Dig, visit https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-dig-history-in-your-garden/on-demand/72396-008

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1. The History and Evolution of Workhouses (00:00:00)

2. The Workhouse System and Daily Life (00:17:30)

3. Workhouse Medical Care and Treatment Changes (00:27:42)

4. Workhouses and Cottage Homes (00:38:36)

5. The Workhouse and Its History (00:52:45)