South Stoneham Workhouse Laundry
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
South Stoneham Workhouse Laundry
Women at work in the laundry of the South Stoneham Workhouse, Hampshire
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14228998
© Mary Evans / Peter Higginbotham Collection
Hampshire Laundry Orphan Orphanage Orphans Welfare Workhouse Childrens
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in time at the South Stoneham Workhouse in Hampshire, England, during the late 19th century. The image shows a group of women, some with children in tow, diligently working in the laundry room. The South Stoneham Workhouse, established in 1836, was one of several institutions designed to provide relief and care for the destitute, the elderly, and orphaned children in the community. The women in the photograph are likely residents of the workhouse, tasked with the essential chore of washing and cleaning the linens for the institution. The presence of children among them suggests that they may have been single mothers or widows, forced to seek refuge in the workhouse due to poverty or other hardships. The children, clad in ragged clothing, seem to be helping their mothers with the laundry, a testament to the communal spirit that thrived in such institutions. The South Stoneham Workhouse, like many others of its kind, was a product of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which aimed to provide a more efficient and cost-effective system of welfare for the needy. However, the conditions in these institutions were often harsh, with long hours, meager rations, and strict discipline. This photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of the residents, revealing the resilience and determination of the women and children who lived and worked in the South Stoneham Workhouse. Today, this historical image serves as a poignant reminder of the past, shedding light on the social and economic conditions that once existed and the courage and perseverance of those who endured them. The photograph also underscores the importance of social welfare systems and the role they play in caring for the most vulnerable members of society.
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