Social Conditions

Conditions in Llanfyllin Workhouse, page 2

Powys County Archives

"A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Alice Hayhurst, Misses Dugdale (London), Mr W Rees Roberts and Mr Lomax for their kindness in sending Christmas presents to the inmates. The application of J M Dugdale Esq. for permission to give the inmates an entertainment at the workhouse was readily granted."

Similar entertainments were held at other workhouses in Breconshire.

At the same meeting the Medical Officer attempted to have a more healthy and varied diet for the inmates, although his efforts fell on deaf ears:

"Fish A letter was read from the Medical Officer dated 6th January 1891 recommending that 8 oz of cooked fish unboned be given to each adult inmate, instead of the 4oz of flesh meat and that it should be accompanied with oil or melted butter. After some discussion the proposed fish dinner was abandoned."

Powys County Archives

On 2nd April another gift was reported:

"The Master reported that the Workhouse women and children during the last fortnight had been presented by Misses Hayhurst and J M Dugdale Esq. with sweets oranges eggs and a football."

Powys County Archives

There was considerable deliberation amongst the Board as to whether the inmates should receive any reading literature. It was finally decided that:

Powys County Archives

"On the recommendation of J Lloyd Murray Browne Esq. Local Government Board Inspector the Chairman moved that 1/- s weekly be expended on illustrated papers for the use of the inmates, such papers not to be more than a week old. This was seconded by Mr Kempster and unanimously agreed to."

The contract for the supply of these was then put out to tender.

However, perhaps the saddest reflection on the status of the paupers was an item discussing the Workhouse Burial Ground, which was situated across the road from the workhouse itself:

Powys County Archives	Powys County Archives
"On the suggestion of J M Dugdale Esq the Master was authorised to employ a gardener for a day to attend to this and after some discussion the visiting committee was desired to consider and to report whether head-stones, a ground plan or some other means, should be provided with the view to the identity of the grave of every individual buried therein."