Former Thirsk Union Workhouse, Thirsk, North Yorkshire

This building was originally the Thirsk Union Workhouse. It was built in 1838-9. After a measles outbreak in 1842 further wards were added. Thirsk gained a reputation for being one of the best managed workhouses in the north. It was also one of the earliest Unions to appoint proper teachers. After 1930, the building was inherited by the North Riding County Council. It stayed empty until it was pressed into military and first-aid use during WW2. The site was later used as a factory.

Location

North Yorkshire Thirsk

Period

Georgian (1714 - 1836)

Tags

workhouse poor institution social welfare education georgian (1714 - 1836) world war two second ww2 wwii