Past Events

    Past Events    Poverty in the 19th Century

Like most ordinary people born before 1960, Stephen grew up with a received picture of the Victorian poor relief system, and especially the workhouses, as one of unmitigated suffering. His own family history seemed to bear this out with a number of ancestors ending their days in workhouses. However, personal research and discussions with other academics shows there was much more to it than I had thought, especially when compared to other countries. At a time when social security systems are again a constant focus of popular attention, it is useful to have a realistic idea of how workhouses started, what they replaced, and how valuable some aspects of their legacy really is. Most listeners are very surprised.

The meeting will take place:

In person at Bradford Mechanics Institute, 76 Kirkgate, Bradford, BD1 1SZ (2nd floor). Look for the blue library sign at the TJ Hughes end of Kirkgate. Press the button on the door outside marked 2nd floor for entry. Entrance Fee will be £1.50 for Members and £2.50 for non-members.  

Via Zoom - Please logon to the Members Area of our website and then book a place. The cost will be £2 via PayPal. The Zoom link will be sent out a few days before the meeting. Please check your spam/junk mail for the email.   

Doors open / Zoom meeting will start at 10:00am and the talk will commence at 10:30am.

Any questions please contact chairman@bradfordfhs.org.uk