Ely Union Workhouse

History of Ely Union workhouse

Ely Workhouse
Established in 1729, Ely’s workhouse followed the successful example set by Wisbech. Murphy notes that it enjoyed considerable local support and developed a reputation for relatively humane management, even providing comforts for inmates during periods of national hardship such as the Napoleonic Wars. Its history illustrates how the quality of poor relief often depended less upon legislation than upon the attitudes of local governors and parish officers.

Source: Michael J. Murphy, Poverty in Cambridgeshire.

1876 Henry Briggs, butcher, awaiting removal to a lunatic asylum, thrust a red hot poker several times into his body. He then cut his own throat. He died the next day. (23rd Jan)