At the turn of the century, English workhouses provided a critical service for those in poverty. They gave the poor protection, food, and shelter. In return, paupers lived under strict rules and were required to work. While contemporary attitudes often paint workhouses in a negative light, life in a workhouse from 1900 to 1930s had some positive aspects.

For starters, workhouses provided basic necessities. Food, clothing and shelter were available to anyone who sought refuge, while an on-site work programme meant that those admitted had an income.

Workhouses also offered a safer alternatve to living on the streets. Property was secure and life was either regimented or chaotic, which extended a level of stability and structure. For some workhouse inmates, gaining entry provided respite from overwhelming problems. Rules and hierarchies operated as a surrogate family network, providing guidance and compassion. As a result, the workhouse furnished a sense of physical and psychological security.

Furthermore, the most serious abuse commonly associated with workhouses in the Victorian era had largely disappeared by 1900, yet still retained a reputation for its harshness. Author Charles Dickens was extremely critical of the institution, but attitudes to workhouses had changed. Abuse was punishable by law, resulting in an improved quality of life in workhouses. As a result, they often featured state-of-the-art accommodation, exercise programs, and the latest hygiene and healthcare practices.

Finally, workhouses even had a range of leisure activities. Working areas were designated for crafts, arts and recreation, such as reading books and playing games. Themes such as job security and education were developed and improved, offering progress to individuals who otherwise had no hope. Workhouses also offered a pipeline of employment to the outside world.

In many respects, during the period 1900 to 1930s, workhouses were a place of refuge for those with limited resources. Whilst harsh rules and regulations still applied, inmates could experience succour in a secure environment and a range of resources and programmes designed to empower them. This should not be forgotten.