Sunderland, Durham Poor Law Union

History
Some almshouses in Assembly Garth, for 38 inmates, superannuated seamen or their widows, belonging to the "Muster Roll," were purchased in 1750, by the trustees of the "Seamen's fund," appointed under an act of the 20th of George II. This act compels all masters of vessels to levy sixpence per month from each sailor towards the support of the institution, from which more than 700 individuals derive benefit. A new building, called Trafalgar-square, at the east end of the churchyard, is appropriated to the same benevolent purpose. In Church-street are houses for eight widows; and there are numerous societies for the relief of the sick and indigent. The poor-law union of Sunderland comprises eleven townships and chapelries in the parishes of Sunderland, and Bishop and Monk Wearmouth, containing a population of 56,226. 'Summercotes - Sustead', A Topographical Dictionary of England (1848), pp. 261-271. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51318 Date accessed: 24 March 2011

See also

http://www.wearsideonline.com/sunderland_workhouse.html

Durham County Record Office

For more information on the history of the workhouse, see Peter Higginbotham's web site: www.workhouses.org.uk and http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Sunderland/

Parishes in the Union
Bishopwearmouth St Michael, Durham Bishopwearmouth St Thomas, Durham Deptford St Andrew, Durham Monkwearmouth, Durham Monkwearmouth All Saints, Durham Ryhope, Durham Southwick, Durham Sunderland, Durham Sunderland St John, Durham