Author Topic: Workhouse Records  (Read 2272 times)

Offline colin123

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Workhouse Records
« on: Wednesday 29 April 15 22:08 BST (UK) »
Hi

Two of my great-grandfathers spent some time on their own in the Constance Road workhouse in East Dulwich in the 1890's, but I am intrigued by the entries shown against their discharge record. One was discharged as  his 'Detention Order had expired' and the other 'by Magistrates order'. Does anyone know exactly what this means, as both were married with several children and the family remained at their usual place of abode. Had they both had a 'brush with the law' ?

I would be very grateful for any help here.

Thanks

Colin123


Offline Bookbox

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Re: Workhouse Records
« Reply #1 on: Thursday 30 April 15 00:20 BST (UK) »
Have you found either of these ancestors in 1901 or 1911? I’m wondering if the detention order might possibly refer to a mental health problem?

After the 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act, people whose behaviour was judged to be a danger to themselves or others could be admitted temporarily to a workhouse under a detention order. But they could only be detained for up to 14 days, whilst being assessed, and when the order expired they had to be discharged or admitted to an asylum. After the 1890 Lunacy Act, a 'reception order' for the asylum had to be signed by a magistrate.

If by any chance this was the case here, you might find something more amongst the Camberwell Board of Guardians settlement and relief records, some of which are on Ancestry. Just a thought.

Offline colin123

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Re: Workhouse Records
« Reply #2 on: Thursday 30 April 15 19:29 BST (UK) »
Hi Bookbox

Many thanks for your reply, certainly it would be worth my while to check these records as there may well be a mention of them there.

Regards

Colin123