the ashton-under-lyne union workhouse: threads of history in gee cross and beyond

While workhouses were widespread across 19th-century Britain, each had its own unique history, shaped by the local economy, population, and industrial development. The Ashton-under-Lyne Union Workhouse, which served Gee Cross and the surrounding areas of Greater Manchester, was a prime example of how these institutions evolved alongside Britain’s textile-driven industrial age. From Fletcher Street to… Read More the ashton-under-lyne union workhouse: threads of history in gee cross and beyond

inside the workhouse: harsh realities, silent stitches

In 19th-century Britain, the word workhouse struck fear and shame into the hearts of the poor. Established under the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, these institutions were designed to deter people from seeking public assistance by offering a last resort: food and shelter in exchange for hard, monotonous labour. Though framed as charity, the… Read More inside the workhouse: harsh realities, silent stitches