por 1 1864 the Arlidge medical report.

This is a section dedicated to the policy of training boys in the art of marching whilst playing an instrument. The boys at Stoke union were encouraged to learn as once trained have an opportunity to find good employment. The sections explores and quotes examples of training and once proficient presented brass band concerts across the area to the delight of the community and of cause the Governor. At times when the children were invited to visit Trentham Gardens by the Duchess of Sutherland, the band would lead the way playing their instruments. They also undertook band concerts or to perform at a special event. A most interesting study and set apart for the work to secure work for those incarcerated for no fault of their own but considered nationally the fault of their parents.

Two pages x A4

Few if any historians have approached this subject on the basis that few workhouses had little provision for the sick. At Stoke upon Trent workhouse as early as 1842 provision was made both for inmates but also for the parish community outside as no other facility had yet been provided. The Stoke upon Trent Hospital was erected in a central position with the workhouse and the building still remains as listed by English Heritage.

The study starts from the first thoughts of providing this facility, the number and descriptions of rooms and wards. Focus is made on one report that has survived and stored in the National Archives. It’s a complaint by someone in the community who wrote to the poor law in London to complain how he had been treated. Mention was made of his time in a lunatic ward, having to share a double bed with five other sick inmates – the list is endless and would make good reading for all who are keen to learn of the early years of medicine and the treatment of patients in workhouses.

two x A4 pages

For the young inmates in workhouses the guardians in many cases understood the need to train both genders in an occupation that could find them employment once leaving the workhouse at the age of sixteen. Why, because this was considered a means whereby once discharged, they could find work, and as a consequence not to become a permanent burden upon poor law. This section is a comprehensive study which includes many aspects of young people’s expectations. Girls were treated very differently than boys where the focus was upon domestic duties, washing, ironing and household accounts. Miss Rose Wedgwood provided training and accommodation for a number of girls to be trained in high quality servants work with the promise of employment in a gentleman’s residence. The North Staffs Ladies Association sent up a school at Shelton for the training of young girls.

Boys were trained in gardening and farming, shoe making, tailoring, learning to play a brass band instrument and drill ready for a good position in the services. All this was done by outside skilled people who were paid by the hour.

Nine x A4 pages

This original research is a compilation of hope for so many and in return once the young left did not become a burden on the poor law. This is a major piece of valuable study and a certain tool for those studying social and economic studies as well as those who are keen to explore what was done in the workhouse and to learn that all was not bad. A great reflection upon how children inmates were treated at the time, very differently that the adults.