Information for record number MWA19226:
Site of Alcester Union Workhouse, Kinwarton Road, Alcester

Summary The Alcester Union workhouse was built in 1837 at site to the east of Alcester on the south side of Kinwarton Road. It followed the popular cruciform or "square" layout. A small infirmary block was added at the east of the site, and was extended southwards in 1879. The former workhouse later became Alcester Hospital, and the later infirmary block is still in use. The main buildings, now known as Oversley House, were converted to residential use in 1984.
What Is It?  
Type: Workhouse, Chapel, Infirmary
Period: Imperial - Industrial (1751 AD - 1913 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Alcester
District: Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 09 57
(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 Alcester Poor Law Union was formed on 31st May 1836. The Alcester Union workhouse was built in 1837 at site to the east of Alcester on the south side of Kinwarton Road. It followed the popular cruciform or "square" layout with an entrance block at the front, behind which lay the four accommodation wings radiating from a central hub, creating four yards for the different classes of pauper (male/female, old/young). The entrance block, which housed the Guardians' board-room, clerk's office, etc., was ashlar-faced, the stone having — as the prominent inscription proclaims — been given by Sir Charles Throckmorton Bart. A small infirmary block was added at the east of the site, and was extended southwards in 1879. The former workhouse later became Alcester Hospital, and the later infirmary block is still in use. The main buildings, now known as Oversley house, were converted to residential use in 1984.
2 Cruciform workhouse and adjunct chapel marked on 2nd edition OS map, with site of infirmary to the rear.
 
Sources
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: 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  
period Imperial 1751 AD to 1914 AD (end of the 18th century AD to the beginning of the 20th century AD)

This period comes after the Post Medieval period and before the modern period and starts with beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. It includes the second part of the Hannoverian period (1714 – 1836) and the Victorian period (1837 – 1901). The Imperial period ends with the start of the First World War in 1914.
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monument YARD * A paved area, generally found at the back of a house. back
monument HOUSE * A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known. 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 ROAD * A way between different places, used by horses, travellers on foot and vehicles. back
monument INDUSTRIAL * This is the top term for the class. See INDUSTRIAL Class List for narrow terms. 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 INFIRMARY * A building used for the care of the sick. Only to be used where part of a complex, eg. a workhouse. In such cases use with appropriate monument type. back
monument OFFICE * A building or room where business, administrative or professional activities are conducted. Use specific type where known. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record