Westbury Union Workhouse (General)

by slowhands , proud of his ancient Dean Forest roots, Wednesday, July 11, 2007, 22:45 (6135 days ago) @ Barbara Lloyd

New workhouse at Westbury on Severn
The guardians of this Union, having for some time past found the accommodation afforded by their house wholly inadequate for the increasing population of the various parishes comprised within their district, (which includes a portion of
the Forest of Dean), lately determined to erect what in fact amounts to an entirely new workhouse. With this in view they consulted Mr. Alfred W Maberley, of Gloucester and London, architect,; and his plans having been approved by the
Poor Law Board, the contract was let to Messrs James Coleman and Son, of Chaxhill, builders, who are proceeding rapidly with the work.

The new buildings comprise a large dining hall, with chapel over, ascended by staircases, day-rooms, and dormitories for the aged and infirm and able-bodied of both sexes, and for boys and girls, with school-rooms, lavatories, etc.
Attached are work-rooms, washhouses, laundries, sheds for out-door labour, with all other necessary rooms required in a building of the kind.

The old workhouse will be converted into an infirmary, wards for infectious diseases etc. It is expected that the new house will be ready for occupation during the coming year.

Source: The Builder 1869 Vol XXVII 2nd October 1869 p.793
Submitted by Alan Longbottom.

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=4294#p4295

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=998#p998