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Smallburgh Workhouse Master
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Smallburgh Workhouse Master
The Master of the Smallburgh Union Workhouse, Norfolk, believed to be Frank Owen. Date: circa 1910
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Media ID 23265170
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
Believed Frank Master Norfolk Owen Poor Poverty Welfare Workhouse Workhouses
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This evocative photograph captures the stern and authoritative figure of the Master of Smallburgh Union Workhouse in Norfolk, believed to be Frank Owen, around the turn of the twentieth century (circa 1910). The Master, dressed in a formal suit and wearing a stern expression, stands before the imposing entrance of the workhouse, which looms ominously in the background. The Workhouse, a large, stone building with barred windows, was a last resort for the destitute, the homeless, and the impoverished in the community. At the time, the workhouse system was a key component of the British social welfare system, providing shelter, food, and basic care for those who were unable to support themselves. However, the conditions within the workhouses were often harsh and Spartan, with long hours of hard labor, strict discipline, and meager rations. The Master, as the head of the workhouse, was responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order. He was expected to be firm but fair, ensuring that the inmates were kept in line and that the workhouse ran smoothly. Despite the difficult circumstances, the Master played a crucial role in providing a safety net for those in need, offering a lifeline to those who had nowhere else to turn. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, providing a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who lived in poverty during this period. It also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who ran the workhouses, who worked tirelessly to provide for the most vulnerable members of their communities.
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