The union workhouse

[claire]

Hello,

I'm looking for information regarding the use of the union workhouse in 1911.

I have traced my great great grandfather and he is listed as an inmate in Thomastown on the 1911 census, I'm assuming he was at the workhouse, although the address given is just 'thomastown', he is on the same page as around 30 other males, of various ages and marital status etc so what else could Thomastown be?

I have looked on the internet and on this site to try and ascertain whether he is there because he is destitute or for some other reason?

Any info will be greatly appreciated in this family mystery, as he is listed as a widower, aged 70, but on the 1911 census his wife is alive and well and living with their son!

Thanks

Claire

[mikemerthyr]

Hello claire The union workhouse was used as a hospital for the ill it could be that he was in there for that reason. It is possible that he said he was a widower because if he told them his wife was alive they would have not let him have treatment or be looked after as it was expected for the wife etc to look after him if he was ill. It could also be that they had seperated and were living apart it cost a lot of money to get a divorce in those days some people used the widow/widower card as an easy way to discribe themselves especially if they lived in different towns.

mike