'Secrets from the Workhouse' tv programme

[Romilly]

I thought that last night's episode was very absorbing and helped to tie up the 'loose end' left from last week. It was heartening that Patrick Cox's relative was able to re-establish contact with his sons, - despite the efforts of the Workhouse to keep them apart. Also that he managed to see his Granddaughter before his death.

I found the section concerning Barbara Taylor Bradford's relatives being sent as 'Home Children' to Australia, particularly upsetting, as two of my Great Uncles were despatched to Canada under this scheme. I've never been able to trace what happened to them...

I was rather hoping that Barbara T.B would trace those half siblings of her Mother in Australia, - but perhaps she will try to? (I would certainly have to try, if it was me:-)

Romilly.

[mrs.tenacious]

When I started this thread, it was purely to give a 'heads-up' to anyone who may be interested in the forthcoming programme, and its topic.  I had read a couple of books on workhouses, and had found the odd few of my ancestors who had been in them.  In this modern age, I found it really difficult to comprehend what these people really went through.

The programme was fairly interesting, but I'm sorry to say I found Brian Cox rather irritating in his reactions - too 'luvvie' for my liking. The different stories were all terribly sad though, particularly Barbara Taylor Bradford's mother so wanting her little sister to come back home, and they never saw each other again.

But I have learnt a little more simply from the replies on here, particularly on the effects on the Irish, so thanks everyone for your comments.

Mrs. T.

[a-l]

bodies from asylums were used too and no doubt other places will come to light one day.

[Calverley Lad]

For anyone wanting to follow on, the workhouse institution is described here:
http://www.workhouses.org.uk/
Another fine piece by Peter Higinbotham.
 Brian

[weste]

I found Brian Cox and Barbara Taylor Bradford irritating although I found the programme interesting.

[MaxD]

I'm with Mrs T.  Despite the irritations, as someone whose paternal grandparents were in and out of the Chelsea workhouse in the early 20th century, whose father was born there, and who had a great grandmother in Tattingstone with her children, I found the programme put some interesting flesh on the bones of what I have been able to glean from records and from Peter Higginbotham's fine writings on the subject.  (Bizarrely, a great grandfather lived in Dedham in what had formerly been the workhouse and the hospital I was born in was also a former workhouse so I think I can claim some connection!)
MaxD

[weste]

I've had relatives in and out of the workhouse and the only way we found which was her family from the admission book. They went in and out together.

[mrs.tenacious]

I had read a couple of books on workhouses

One of which I highly recommend to anyone who hasn't already read it:

"Workhouse - The People, The Places, The Life Behind Doors" by Simon Fowler (published 2007).

[mrs.tenacious]

For anyone wanting to follow on, the workhouse institution is described here:
http://www.workhouses.org.uk/
Another fine piece by Peter Higinbotham.
 Brian

Seconded!

Mrs. T.