Our image this week shows the male ward in the infirmary at Tower House in Coombe Road, Salisbury.

Ever at Christmas, some workhouse rules seemed to remain firmly in force, such as the segregation of males and females.

The ward is decorated with evergreens, Union Flags and multi-coloured ribbons. We can also see some lettering over the fireplace: ‘Wishing you the compliments of the season.’

The Alderbury Poor Law Union expanded in 1869, at which time it absorbed a number of parishes previously belonging to the Salisbury Incorporation, and nine years later, in 1878, the union erected a new workhouse (known as Tower House) in Coombe Road.

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Salisbury Journal: The male ward in the infirmary at Tower House

Replacing some old and outdated buildings, the new facility was designed by the architect GB Nichols to provide accommodation for 250 impoverished individuals (officially called inmates).

At the time of this photograph Mr William R Clarke was the workhouse master and Mrs ME Clarke was the matron.

Rev Thomas John Woodall was the Chaplain and Levi Stephenson Luckham was medical officer.

In 1866 the original Alderbury Union Workhouse was visited by Poor Law inspector WHT Hawley who commented:

“The paupers are classified according to the order, and are divided into nine classes.

The men wear coats, trousers and waistcoats, of army cloth or fustian; the women, chambray and print cotton gowns, and all have the proper under clothing and stockings. The men work at the pump, the well, gypsum pounding, and garden work. The women do all the usual household work, wash and sew. The girls in the school are employed in needlework. The recreation for the boys is gymnastics, and for the girls skipping ropes.”

Thank you for the many kind comments during 2023. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.