Information for record number MWA19221:
Stratford-upon-Avon Union Workhouse

Summary The Stratford-on-Avon workhouse was built in 1837 at a site on the west side of Arden Street to the west of the town centre. It was of cruciform construction. The former workhouse later became Stratford-on-Avon Hospital. Almost all of the workhouse buildings have now been demolished.
What Is It?  
Type: Workhouse
Period: Unknown
Where Is It?  
Parish: Stratford upon Avon
District: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 19 55
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection Local
Description

  
Source Number  

1 The Stratford-on-Avon workhouse was built in 1837 at a site on the west side of Arden Street to the west of the town centre. The Poor Law Commissioners authorised an expenditure of £4,380 on construction of the building which was to accommodate 200 inmates. Designed by J Bateman and G Drury, it followed the popular cruciform or "square" plan with an entrance block at the front, behind which lay the four accommodation wings radiating from a central hub, creating yards for the different classes of pauper (male/female, old/young). The former workhouse later became Stratford-on-Avon Hospital. Almost all of the workhouse buildings have now been demolished. Amongst the few remaining structures is the casuals' block at the north-west corner of the site. Stone-breaking cells were located at the rear of the block. These still have the horizontal grids through which Stone had to be passed after being broken into sufficient small pieces. The cells had an unusual design of interlaced metal grid which apparently served both as an unglazed window and also to allow unbroken Stone to be loaded through.
2
3 The plan of the workhouse is largely unchanged between the 1st edition and 2nd edition Ordnance Survey maps.
4 Images of surviving elements of the workhouse were sent to the HER before their demolition in 2014 in advance of the commencement of the building of the new Hospital. The buildings included a gatehouse and a chapel located on the northern edge of the site.
 
Sources
Source No: 4
Source Type: Correspondence
Title: The Old Workhouse Stratford Hospital Site
Author/originator: Michele Scott, Warwickshire Reminiscence Action Project
Date: 2014
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 1
Source Type: Internet Data
Title: The Workhouse - The Story of the Workhouse
Author/originator: Peter Higgingbottom
Date: 2014
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Map
Title: 1st edition 1:2500 1888
Author/originator: Ordnance Survey
Date: 1888
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Map
Title: 2nd edition 1:2500
Author/originator: Ordnance Survey
Date: 1900-1905
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
There are no images associated with this record.  
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
monument YARD * A paved area, generally found at the back of a house. back
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument STONE * Use only where stone is natural or where there is no indication of function. back
monument WORKHOUSE * A 19th century establishment for the provision of work for the unemployed poor of a parish; later an institution administered by Guardians of the Poor, in which paupers are lodged and the able-bodied set to work. back
monument GATEHOUSE * A gateway with one or more chambers over the entrance arch; the flanking towers housing stairs and additional rooms. Use with wider site type where known. back
monument CELL * A monastic enclave dependent on a mother house. back
monument HOSPITAL * An establishment providing medical or surgical treatment for the ill or wounded. Use narrower term where possible. back
monument CHAPEL * A freestanding building, or a room or recess serving as a place of Christian worship in a church or other building. Use more specific type where known. back
monument SQUARE * An open space or area, usually square in plan, in a town or city, enclosed by residential and/or commercial buildings, frequently containing a garden or laid out with trees. back
monument STRUCTURE * A construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence. If known, use more specific type. back
monument TOWN * An assemblage of public and private buildings, larger than a village and having more complete and independent local government. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record