Historic Book

Extract from “A History of Altrincham and Bowdon With an Account of the Barony and House of Dunham” by Alfred Ingham

Published in 1879

Pages 168-171

The Altrincham Union for Poor Law purposes was formed in 1835. For a long time prior to this attempts had been made to deal with the constantly increasing pauperism of the country . The system of out-door relief had led to oppressive poor rates .

For Altrincham the workhouse was situated at Broadheath , having been built in 1756. This was carried on for a great number of years under the direction of trustees , although the inhabitants in public meeting appeared to influence their course of procedure to a great extent .

At times there were sinister rumours as to its management , and on one occasion several gentlemen were appointed to make an investigation . They reported ” that the woman who acts as governess says she is well acquainted with every article received into the house . She says all in the house have great plenty of what is good and useful , they have butchers ‘ meat three times a week ; that which was in the house was very good , and so also was the butter . The bread is very good , and the gentlemen so appointed are fully satisfied that the provisions are good and sufficient . “

In 1822 a Select Vestry was formed in Altrincham , and the administration of the Poor Law progressed another stage . In their first report the members express considerable satisfaction , that they have reduced the amount paid in relief . They indulge in a hope that a still further reduction will be made , and that the sentiments of honest independence by whichthe poor of this country were once characterized will gradually revive amongst them ; and that their own exertions , aided by the occasional advice and assistance of their richer neighbours ” ( a nice way of putting a pauperizing principle ) ” will always remain their surest support in the hour of distress and sickness . “

This pleasant piece of moonshine is concluded by an appeal to the members of the Select Vestry to attend in large numbers for the future .

In the course of the following year the business of manufacturing was commenced at the workhouse at Broadheath , when five looms were started , and the net earnings which accrued in this way and the labour of one of the inmates reached the sum of £ 20 15s . in about five months . ” In a word , ” continues the report ( this was the second issued ) , ” the workhouse promises under good management to be a source of profit to the township ; and as none of the inmates who are capable of work are suffered to be idle , but , on the contrary , are encouraged to be industrious , the hope may be entertained , that should the number of them increase the advantage will be augmented in the same proportion . “

The accounts for this period, therefore , show an indiscriminate mixture of warps and weft, of healds , and shafts and shuttles , with buttermilk , salt , smocks and frocks , and crockery ; but in spite of these glowing accounts , there was , not many years afterwards , a rate of three shillings in the pound laid for Poor Law purposes , the assessment of the town at this time being £ 3,500 .

Probably the expenditure was greatly reduced in subsequent years ; for in an abstract of the receipts and payments concerning the workhouse of the township of Altrincham , in 1831 , the expenditure for 30 weeks is given at £ 52 1s . 4d . Another entry shows the average number of inmates to have been 14 1-15, the cost of victualling per week Is . 6 d., clothing 1s . 8jd .; and these with other incidental expenses , made a total of 3s . 5 d . per head per week . For this amount , as we have already seen , the paupers were allowed the luxury of ” flesh mate , ” as butcher’s meat is spelled in the accounts , three times a week .

Speaking of ” flesh mate ” reminds us that on one occasion the visitors appointed by the Vestry were directed to purchase a piece of beef , not exceeding 12 pounds , to be sent down to the workhouse for a feast on New Year’s day, “and that a glass of ale be allowed to such of the inmates as the governor may think fit to allow such an indulgence . “

For some time , however , matters did not work smoothly in local bumbledom . The governor , notwithstanding his numerous privileges and handsome salary ( £ 10 a year ) was a man of hasty temper , as governors of the old stamp are said by tradition to have been .

At one of the meetings of the select vestry , Mr. John Lupton informed his fellow members that he had been grossly insulted by the governor , who had threatened to strike him ! Such conduct could not of course be permitted . He was ordered to appear before them , and produced Mr. John Warren , who , he said , was fully acquainted with the circumstances . Mr. Warren , how ever , knew nothing of the matter , beyond that the governor was in a state of ” extreme intoxication ” at the time . The tables being thus unexpectedly turned , the governor admitted what was said to be correct , and added that he did not know how the thing began or ended , ” and having apologized his offence was overlooked .

But this governor was soon in greater difficulties than ever . At a meeting held on the 21st May , 1828 , the overseer of the poor intimated that the governess of the workhouse had fled , ” taking her clothes with her , that her husband does not know where she is gone , or whether she means to return . ” The vestry was very accommodating . The overseer was directed to keep an eye to the workhouse , ” the governor in the meantime to go in search of his runaway spouse , -if he should so feel inclined”. Whether he departed on this mission or not does not appear ; but a week afterwards it is reported that the governess has not yet returned , ” nor is there any probability she will return . ” This was more than the vestry could submit to .

The governor was instantly discharged , and when appointing a successor great cautiousness was evinced , inasmuch as it was stipulated that if the new governor and governess did not come up to expectation , they would be expected to quit the house and give up the situation in a month . They gave satisfaction ; for soon afterwards it was ” Resolv’d that this meeting is of opinion that the governor of the workhouse be allowed to occupy and use one of the looms in the weaving shop for the purpose of weaving in himself , and that he be allow’d to take to his own the earnings therefrom , he having requested that such liberty should be allow’d to him.” This governor was Mr. George Dean, for many years a postman , and is still living .