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Illness Notice, Malmesbury Workhouse, Wiltshire
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Illness Notice, Malmesbury Workhouse, Wiltshire
A notice sent by Mr C.M. Gane, master of the Malmesbury Union workhouse, to a friend or relative of inmate Hezekiah Coster informing them that Coster was very ill. Date: 1896
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Media ID 7189157
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Coster Friend Hezekiah Inmate Malmesbury Master Notice Pauper Relative Workhouse Informing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This poignant Illness Notice dates back to 1896, issued by Mr. C.M. Gane, the Master of Malmesbury Union Workhouse in Wiltshire, England. The notice was sent to a friend or relative of an inmate named Hezekiah Coster, informing them of his grave condition. During the Victorian era, workhouses served as institutions for the poor and destitute, providing shelter, food, and medical care in exchange for labor. The system was designed to discourage idleness and encourage self-sufficiency, but the living conditions were often harsh and inhumane. The notice reads, "Malmesbury Union Workhouse, March 13th, 1896. Sir, I have the regret to inform you that Hezekiah Coster, Pauper, is very ill and has been removed to the Infirmary. His expenses will be charged to his account as usual. Yours faithfully, C.M. Gane, Master." The notice serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by the poor and destitute during this time. The use of the term "pauper" underscores the stigma attached to those who relied on the charity of the state for their basic needs. The fact that Hezekiah's expenses would continue to be charged to his account, even while he was ill, highlights the financial precariousness of life in the workhouse. Despite the grim circumstances, the notice also reveals the administrative machinery that kept the workhouse running, with the Master taking it upon himself to inform Hezekiah's relative of his condition. The formal language and impersonal tone of the notice underscore the bureaucratic nature of the workhouse system, yet the personal nature of the message underscores the human impact of this institution on the lives of its inmates and their families.
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