FOLLOWING two years of research, local woman Sally Hendry will be sharing her findings about Westbury’s workhouse at a special presentation at the next meeting of the town’s heritage society.
Sally asked local people to come forward with memories or knowledge about the workhouse to add extra detail to her research.
Sally said, “I have spoken to many local people but living memory means they can only recall the building long after it closed and was used for various purposes including for builders Holdoways.
“However my research has also meant poring over the old minute books and letter books of the workhouse, which has given me a real insight into how it was run and what life must have been like there. These include such details as daily routine, the sort of work carried out and the ordering of food and supplies such as the cheapest cuts of meat, cheese, rice and oatmeal.
“I’ve also managed to get the recipes used to make the bland dishes that were served up to people living there, everything from gruel to milk pudding, Irish stew and very weak tea. The minute books also detail the staff working at the workhouse such as the master and matron, school teacher and porter.
“I hope the talk will be of interest and give people a real insight into what was once an intrinsic, albeit sad part of Westbury life.”
The talk about the workhouse will be at the Methodist Church foyer in Station Road, Westbury on Tuesday 30th May. It starts at 7.30pm and it is open to everyone. There is a small admission charge and refreshments will be served.
The workhouse was sited in Eden Vale and part of the building still exists, but in a completely new lease of life as tasteful flats and apartments for older people.
