England, Cheshire Workhouse Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Collection Time Period
The records for the Cheshire workhouses are from 1837 to 1967.

Collection History
The workhouses started out housing the various types of poor separately. The records generated by the workhouses were kept according to the 1834 poor law act. Legislation in 1930 abolished the boards of guardians and passed the responsibilities to local authorities. Additional legislation in 1948 established the National Health Service. These pieces of legislation brought about the development of infirmaries, which eventually led to the national institution of hospitals and asylums, eventually abolishing the workhouses. Workhouses were there for the able-bodied unemployed (and their families), the impotent poor, the elderly, the chronic sick, orphaned children, unwed-mothers, and those mentally ill. Some people were in and out as work was available, while others spent their whole lives in the workhouse. These records cover about 1.7 million names.

Why This Collection Was Created
The records were used by local authorities keep track of the poor and account for monies spent for their living expenses.

Collection Reliability
Reliability of records is high regarding dates of birth, death, admissions, and discharges. Reliability of names may vary in illegitimate births.

Collection Description
The majority of the documents are handwritten on printed forms consisting of columns and lines.

Record Content
Key genealogical facts found in most Cheshire workhouse birth records are: • Date of birth • Address • Name • Sex • Father’s name • Mother’s name • Occupation

Key genealogical facts found in most Cheshire workhouse death records are: • Date at death • Name • Age • From what parish admitted • Cause of death • Where buried

Key genealogical facts found in most Cheshire workhouse admission and discharge records are: • Day of the month • Day of the week • Name • Class for diet • Number affixed to the pauper’s clothes • Parish to which charged • By whose order admitted • Date of the order of admission • If born in the house, name of parent • Why seeking relief • How discharged; and if by order, by whose order • Death notations

Key genealogical facts found in most Cheshire workhouse creed registers are: • Date of entry • Date of admission • Full name • Birth date • Religion • Name of informant • Number of clothing • Occupation • Admitting authority • Where from or residence • Why admitted • Date of discharge • Address of friends

How to Use This Collection
Use these records to identify relatives that may not be found in parish registers. The infirmaries attached to the workhouses were opened to the whole community in the later 19th century. The infirmaries generated birth and death records.

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