Knighton Union Workhouse
Knighton Union was formed on 9th November 1836 by order dated 14th October 1836
In 1836 Charles Price Green was appointed Clerk (Chief Administrative Officer) for the Knighton Union. He retired in 1837 and Edward Mason took over the position. The Clerks salary for Knighton was £60 per annum.
The Knighton Board of Guardians were advertising for tenders for building the workhouse in the Hereford Journal of 17 May 1837. By the end of the following year the building must have been more or less ready,
Hereford Journal - 25th April 1838
KNIGHTON UNION
To
WELL SINKERS & WELL MAKERS
The Board of Guardians are desirous to CONTRACT with some competant Person or Persons to Sink a WELL, and put down a PUMP, at the Poor House of the above Union: for any further information required, apply to me at Knighton, and Tenders must be delivered to me at or before 12 o'clock on Thursday, May 3rd, 1838.
EDWARD MASON, Clerk to the Union.
Letter dated 21 Dec 1838 from Edward Mason (Clerk for the Knighton Poor Law Union) to the Poor Law Commissioners, informing them of the election, the previous day, of Mr Samuel Hodson and his wife as Governor and Matron.
Hereford Times, 29 December 1838 they invited tenders from ironmongers and smiths 'to supply the New Workhouse of this Union with the following Articles . . . Wrought-iron Bedsteads of the usual pattern, dimensions, and substance, at per bedstead; a Kitchen-range, 4 ft. 10.in with Oven, Boiler, and (with or without) Steaming Apparatus; Iron Boiler with partitions and iron cover; a Register-stove Grate, and 3 Bath-stove ditto, at per inch each; 17 Bayed Skeleton Grates of wrought iron, at per lb.'
The Poor Law Commissioners replied to Edward Mason's letter on 4 January 1839 to say that they had sanctioned the appointment of Mr Hodson on condition that (i) the 'salary should not commence until the House is taken possession of' and (ii) that 'the appointment shall be considered provisional for six months'.
On 17 January 1839, the Guardians of the Poor of the Knighton Union wrote to the Poor Law Commissioners saying that "the Eighteen Hundred Pounds borrowed for the Building of our Workhouse is an insufficient sum, and that the further sum of Four Hundred Pounds (at the least) will be required to finish, fit up, and Furnish the said Workhouse".
On 27 February 1839 (Hereford Journal) the Board were advertising for tenders for 'Chairs for the Board and Master's Rooms', as well as 'Cocoa-Nut Fibre Mattresses in strong Canvas Covers', of various sizes, and 'Bed Rugs, Blankets, Linen and Cotton Sheetings; Shirtings; Linen for Towels; Men's and Boys' Jackets, Trousers, Smock Frocks, Shirts, Shoes, Stockings, Hats and Caps; Women's and Girl's Shoes, Stockings, Petticoats, Gowns, Caps, and Bonnets'
On 8 April 1839, Edward Mason wrote to say that "the Workhouse is now fit for the reception of Paupers" and that "four deserted children were brought in on Friday last and some other destitute Paupers are expected tomorrow". He asked the Poor Law Commissioners to "issue new rules and orders for its Government at your earliest convenience". Also asks if the Board can start paying the Governor his salary as he "has been attending to the furnishing of the House for some time".
31 May 1839, Edward Mason writing re. Appointment of Schoolmistress"I am instructed by the Board of Guardians, to inform you that Miss Ursula Hodson, daughter of the Governor of the Workhouse was yesterday appointed Schoolmistress for the Workhouse, and which appointment they respectfully request you to approve. She has been accustomed to tuition, and is competent to teach the children, knitting, sowing, spinning, reading, writing and arithmetic."
Another letter of 10 June 1839 added that her salary was to be £12 p.a. "and provisions with the Governor".
This was not the first Workhouse in Knighton, there had been one for several years. A request for a master and matron appeared in the Hereford Journal dated 27th April 1796.
WORK-HOUSE, Knighton Radnorshire
WANTED—Two Persons, a Man and his Wife, to look after the poor in the above Work-house, or to take the poor belonging to the same, at a certain sum, for one more year,. The Work-house outgoings of the last and former years, any persons inclined to treat for the said poor, shall be fully acquainted with from the parish books, previous to giving in their proposal, which must be done on or before the Seventh of May next, by applying to John Watkins and James Davies, Overseers of the poor for the said parish of Knighton.
1841 (HO107/1455/6 f.40. p.2)
Master - Samuel Hodson, age 65 (*)
Matron - Ann Hodson, age 55 (*)
School Mistress - Daughter Ursula Hodson, age 20 (*)
Matron's Assistant - Niece Harriot Hodson, age 25 (*)
Ann was Samuels second wife. His first wife was Charlotte.
Samuel Hodson married Ann Whittington on 8th April 1812 in St Llonio, Llandinam, Montgomeryshire.
Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette. 22 November 1845
Mary Williams, Elizabeth Harding, and William Rogers were convicted, upon the oath of Mr. Samuel Hudson and others, and committed by the Rev. James Richard Brown, justice of the peace for the county of Radnor, for twenty-eight days, accompanied with hard labour, to Presteign house of correction, for insubordination and refractory conduct committed by them in the Knighton union workhouse, on the 11th and 13th days of November instant.
On 24 November 1848, Edward Mason, Clerk to the Knighton Poor Law Union, wrote to the Poor Law Commissioners requesting approval of an altered 'Dietary Table' for the workhouse, 'the alteration being rendered necessary by the Potatoes produced in the Workhouse Gardens being all consumed and there being none on sale in the Neighbourhood.' (see addendum (i) )
Here is a summary of the amended 'DIETARY For Able-bodied Paupers of both Sexes':
Breakfast1½ pints of gruel with bread (6 oz for men, 5 oz for women)
Dinner [same quantities for men and women, except on Saturdays]
Sunday: 5 oz cooked meat, 12 oz pease pudding
Monday: 1½ pints of soup, 5 oz bread
Tuesday: stewed meat and 12 oz pease pudding
Wednesday: same as Monday
Thursday: 5 oz cooked meat, 5 oz bread
Friday: same as Monday
Saturday: suet or rice pudding (14 oz for men, 12 oz for women)
Supper
Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday: 1½ pints of broth with bread (6 oz for men, 5 oz for women)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: bread (6 oz for men, 5 oz for women) with 2 oz cheese '
OLD PEOPLE, Of Sixty Years of Age, and upwards. May be allowed 1 oz. of Tea, 5 oz. of Butter, and 7 oz. of Sugar per Week, in lieu of Gruel for Breakfast, if deemed expedient to make this change.'
'CHILDREN, Under Nine Years of Age, To be Dieted at discretion; ----above Nine to be allowed the same quantities as Women.'
'SICK, To be Dieted as directed by the Medical Officer.' (From The National Archives, MH 12/16691)
Hereford Times - 31st August 1850
ASSAULT - On Thursday se'night, before the Rev. J R Brown, Thomas Pinches, age 14, was brought up in the custody of Constance and charged with violently assaulting and kicking Miss Urcula Hodson, at the Knighton Union-house, and the case being fully proved he was committed to the house of correction at Presteign for 21 days, with hard labour.
Samuel Hodson died 23rd January 1851, aged 76 and was buried on 27th January in Knighton Church yard.
CHARLOTTE
wife of
SAMUEL HODSON of this town.
Died 10th Sept. 1808. Aged 31
Also the above
SAMUEL HODSON
Died 23rd Jan 1851.Aged 76
Hereford Journal 5th February 1851 in the death notices
Mr Samuel Hodson, for eleven years master of the Knighton Union Workhouse. Died 23rd January, aged 76,
It looks like Samuel probably remained in office until his death.
14 Feb 1851 - resolution that an advertisement be placed in the Hereford & Shrewsbury newspapers saying that the Guardians would elect a new Master at their next meeting. However, the existing Matron (Ann Hodson) and Schoolmistress (Ursula Hodson) 'signified their intentions to resign' so they had to advertise for replacements for them too.
There was an advertisement that appeared in the Hereford Times of 1 March 1851 looking for someone to take Mr Hodson's place. The Master's Salary would be £25 per annum, the Matron's £15.Applications, with Testimonials, to be addressed to the Chairman and delivered at the Board-room before Eleven o'clock on the 13th day of March, 1851.
After Samuels death, the 1851 census shows Ann had become a boarding house keeper at 5 Bridge Street, Knighton.
Ursula Hodson was born on the 20th July 1819 to Samuel and Ann Hodson. Samuel was a yeoman by trade. Ursula was christened on 27th August 1819 in St Mary, Parish Church, Swansea, Glamorganshire.
Ursula Hodson married James Hudson on the 28th March 1864 in Knighton, Radnorshire. James Hudson was a Schoolmaster born in Sussex. He was some 16 years younger than Ursula. in the 1861 census he is a boarder in the household of Edward Mason, Broad Street, Knighton, Clerk of the Union Workhouse. Sadly Ursula died 2 years later on 13th November 1866, aged 46 and was buried in Knighton church yard on 17th November.
Hereford Journal - Saturday 17 November 1866
HUDSON - November 13th, at the National Schools, Knighton, after a painful illness of six weeks, aged 46 years. Ursula, the beloved wife of Mr. James Hudson; for 15 years the mistress of the above girls' school, and daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Hodson.
Four years later Ann Hodson Died.
Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard, dated 26 February 1870
On 18th, February aged 85, at Knighton, Mrs ANN HOSSON, widow of Mr Samuel Hodson, late of Knighton, Radnorshire, and daughter of John Whittington, Esq., formerly of Aberhafesp Hall, in the county of Montgomery.
Ann's parents were John and Ursula Whittington (nee Hamer) They were married in Aberhafesp, Montgomeryshire on 20 June 1777
Anne Hodson was burial 22 February 1870 in Knighton Church yard.
URSULA
wife of
JAMES HUDSON
and daughter of
SAMUEL & ANN HODSON (of this town)
Died 13th Nov. 1866, Aged 46.
Also ANN widow of
SAMUEL HODSON.Died 18th Feb.1870
In the 85th year of her age
On the 13th March 1851 Thomas Matthews was appointed to be the new governor of Knighton Workhouse, with his Wife Elizabeth appointed as Matron. They would take over the running of the workhouse as of 25th March 1851.
1851 (HO/2493 F.103 p.35)
Master - Thomas Mathews, age 57, born Llangunllo, Radnorshire
Matron - Elizabeth Mathews, age 52, born Whitton, Radnorshire
School Mistress - Daughter Mary Mathews, age 22, born City of London
Scholar - Daughter Ann Mathews, age 10, born City of London
(Their surname has been transcribed as both Matthews and Mathews)
Thomas Matthews married Elizabeth Tudge on 5th February 1827 in St. Davids church, Heyope.
Thomas Mathews profession before becoming the Master of Knighton Workhouse was as a Linen Draper at 18 Aldgate High Street. London.
Thomas became bankrupt in 1846 and moved to Whitecross, Hereford before moving back to Radnorshire.
The London Gazette
A Fiat in Bankruptcy dated 7th April 1846, is issued forth against Thomas Matthews, of Aldgate, High-street, in the city of London, Draper, Dealer and Chapman, and he being declared a bankrupt is hereby required to surrender himself to Henry John Shepard, Esq. one of Her Majesty's Commissioners of the Court of Bankruptcy, on the 23rd day of April instant, at twelve at noon precisely, and on the 21st day of May next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon precisely, at the Court of Bankruptcy, Basinghall-street, in the city of London, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his estate and effects; when and where creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and at the first sitting to chose their assignees, and at the last sitting the said bankrupt is required to finish his examination. All persons indebted to the said bankrupt, or that have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to Mr. George John Graham, No. 25, Colemah-street, London, the Official Assignee, whom the Commissioner has appointed, and given notice to Messers, Sole and Turner, Solicitors, Aldermanbury
As far as research shows Thomas and Elizabeth had 8 children, 4 of whom died in childhood.
Elizabeth Ann 1827,
Mary 1829,
Harriet 1831,
Thomas Tudge 1832,
William 1834,
Henry 1838,
Ann 1840
Mortimer 1843.
Hereford Times 21st June 1856
REFRACTORY PAUPERS AGAIN - A modest and dainty young lady, known as Ann Price, was charged by the Governor of Knighton Union Workhouse with indecency in the house. The prisoner bares anything but an amiable character, and divides her time pretty fairly between the union house and the prison. The offence having been proved, she was sent to the county prison for a term of 12 days.
Elizabeth Mathews, Thomas' wife died in the March of 1861 and was buried on 22nd of March in Llangynllo (Llangunllo)
Hereford Journal - Wednesday 20 March 1861
MATTHEWS - March 16, at the Union House, Knighton, aged 63, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Thomas Matthews, for nearly ten years the respected Matron of that establishment.
Hereford Journal - Wednesday 20 March 1861
MATTHEWS - March. 16, at Knighton, suddenly, of apoplexy, Elizabeth, Wife of Mr. Thomas Matthews, formerly of the city of London, and eldest daughter of the late Thomas Tudge, Esq. Upper Hall, Radnorshire.
Old Medical Terms - Apoplexy: A sudden loss of sensation and movement due to a disturbance of blood supply to the brain. Any suddenly fatal disease. (A Stroke)
1861 (RG9 9/4233 f.25 p.1)
Master - Thomas Mathews, age 67, born Llangunllo, Radnorshire
Matron - Daughter Harriet Mathews, age 30, born London, Middlesex
School Mistress - Daughter Mary Mathews, age 35, born Lnondon, Middlesex
Hereford Times 21st September 1861
TAKE MY BABY - Susan Davies, a native of Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire, was brought up in the custody of Sergeant John Newman, charged with leaving her illegitimate child on the steps of the Knighton Union Workhouse on the 11th inst, between the hours of 8 and 9 o'clock. Mr Matthews, governor of the union workhouse, said he heard the front door bell, went to answer it, and saw there an infant laying at the door. He took it into the house, where it was immediately recognised as belonging to the prisoner, who had left the Workhouse on the previous Saturday with the child. - Prisoner would not answer a single question put to her. - Committed to the county gaol for one month. The child, which is only 9 months old, was taken back to the workhouse.
Hereford Times 9th August 1862 -KNIGHTON - Petty Sessions - before R. Green Price, Esq
THE KNIGHTON UNION AGAIN - Ann Price, a native of Presteigne, was charged by the master of the Knighton Union Workhouse with breaking three panes of glass in a portion of the union house in which prisoner was confined for not obeying an order of the master. It appeared that the master had the prisoner confined in a small room immediately adjoining the kitchen, in which place she was kept without anything to eat, and that the prisoner, exasperated at being kept thus without food, broke the windows. ---These facts having been proved. Mr. Price remarked to the master : You have very much exceeded your duty, Mr Matthews, in placing the woman in the room and giving her nothing to eat. You ought to have known your duty, and that was to have placed the prisoner upon bread and water for twenty-eight hours, and not to have kept her without food. You have exceeded your duty, and the case must be investigated at the Petty Sessions on the 7th instant --- Remanded accordingly.
Hereford Journal 27 September 1862
A FIGHT AT THE UNION WORKHOUSE. A woman's fight having taken place on Monday se'nnight, the master of the workhouse (Mr. Thomas Matthews) went in search of a policeman, and found P. C. George Howes, to whom he stated his case. The policeman, very properly, asked the master if he could prove the fight which he alleged to have taken place. The master replied that he could not prove it, as he had not seen it. The policeman at once refused to act, in the way suggested by Mr. Matthews, which was simply to take both parties into custody. The master angrily replied, "I will have someone else to collar them if you refuse to do your duty', whereupon the policeman mildly informed him that he was there to do his duty and not to exceed it, and that the proper course would be for one of thee pugilistic ladies to summon the other. This course eventually had to be adopted, and the case was heard before the Magistrates on the 25th.
Hereford Times - 4th October 1862
A DISORDERLY PAUPER.—Jane Williams, an inmate of the Knighton Union, was charged upon summons with assaulting Charlotte Bodenhana, another of the inmates of the Union.—The case, not being properly substantiated. by the complainant, was dismissed.
Hereford Journal - 27th December 1862
CHRISTMAS DAY AT THE WORKHOUSE. The inmates of our Union Workhouse (63 in number) had their usual treat of roast beef and plum pudding on Christmas day, and right heartily did they seem to enjoy the good old English fare provided for them through the liberality of the Board of Guardians.
Wellington Journal - 28th March 1868
A sad and fatal accident occurred last week at the Knighton Union Workhouse. It appears that on Friday week a little boy, 6 years of age, named Edward Thornton, was playing in the sick ward of the house, and amusing himself by putting bits of lighted stick up the chimney. There was a fire-guard on the grate, and a little girl, 13 years of age, was also in the room to prevent accident. In some manner the poor little fellow managed to squeeze his body through the bars of the fire-guard, and while lighting a bit of stick his night-dress caught fire, and he was immediately enveloped in a mass of flames. His screams brought assistance, and Charles James Covernton Esq., surgeon, was also in prompt attendance, but the poor child was so frightfully burnt that after lingering a while in great pain he died on Sunday night, the immediate cause of death being effusion on the brain. Owing to the absence of the coroner, an inquest has not yet been held, but will be this week, when the circumstances connected with this horrible affair will doubtless receive due investigation.
Eddowes's Journal - 15th April 1868
Refusing to be Cured. — Ann Stubbs, a single woman, and an inmate of the Knighton Union Workhouse, was charged by Thomas Matthews, the governor of the workhouse, with disobeying his orders, and also those of the medical attendant of the Union. Mr. Charles I. Cavernton. It was proved that she had refused to change her clothes, although at the time suffering from the itch, and it being requisite that she should be properly cleansed. Sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment.
Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian - 11th April 1868
WORKHOUSE TRAGEDY.— Edward Thornton, a child six years of age, has been burned to death in the Knighton Workhouse, Herefordshire. The child with five others, was in the infirmary suffering from some illness, and no nurse or other person was in attendance. The jury at the inquest "recommend fire screens for the future, and the appointment of a responsible person to look after the sick in the work house.
From the burial register of Knighton, Radnorshire: Edward Thornton, Workhouse, Knighton, aged 6, buried 25 March 1868.
Wellington Journal - 5th September 1868
KNIGHTON. Awfully Sudden Death.---An inquest was held at the Union Workhouse, Knighton, on the 29th ult., before William Stephens, Esq., coroner. and a respectable jury, to enquire into the cause of the death of James Griffiths, a pauper, 72 years of age, and who had been out for a walk on the 27th, and on his return to the union fell down backwards, and died instantly. The jury returned a verdict of "Death from natural causes." Deceased was a cooper in this town for a great number of years.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 27th August 1869
Petty Theft front the Workhouse : Susan Davies, an inmate of the workhouse, was charged by Mr. Massey, workhouse master, with stealing a piece of bread and soap, and Susan Harding was charged with receiving the same knowing it to have been stolen. Committed, as a caution to others, for one month each to hard labour.
Thomas Matthews died 7th March 1874, aged 80. He was buried in Llangunllo on 13th March 1874
Thomas Matthews personal estate - Effects under £1,000 Re-sworn May 1875 under £1,500
18 August
The Will of Thomas Matthews late of Creignant in the Parish of Llangunllo in the County of Radnor Gentleman who died 7 March 1874 at Creignant was proved at Hereford by William Baldwin of Knighton in the County, Grocer the sole Executor.
Wellington Journal 12 June 1869
BOARD OF GUARDIANS.- At the fortnightly meeting of the guardians of the Knighton union, held on Thursday week, the election of a master and matron for the Work-house took place. There were 21 applications for the office, and after a careful selection of the testimonials the votes of the guardians were taken, and the result was 13 votes for Mr. W. Massey, late superintendent of Police in the county of Radnor and his wife, and 12 votes for Mr. and Mrs. William., of Liverpool Workhouse. The chairman accordingly announced that Mr. and Mrs. Massey had been duly elected by a majority of one vote.
Eddowes's Journal - 9th March 1870
TO BUILDERS.
THE Guardians of this Union invite TENDERS for the erection of New Buildings adjoining their Workhouse at Knighton, consisting of School Room, Sick Ward, Officers' Bed and Sitting-rooms, laundry, Drying Room, Lavatories, Water Tank, &c. with alterations to the Workhouse premises, according to the plans and Specifications, which may be inspected at the Workhouse, upon application, on and after Tuesday, the 8th inst. until the 15th inst. from 11 to 4 o'clock. Tenders to be addressed to the undersigned, endorsed "Tenders for New Buildings," and delivered on or before the morning of Thursday, the 17th inst.
The Guardians do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any Tender. Security for the due performance of the Contract will be required. By Order of the Board, EDWIN H. DEACON, Clerk
1871 (RG10/5596 f 31 p1)
Master - William Massey, age 49, born Longford, Derbyshire
Matron - Elizabeth Massey, age 41, born Fazeley, Staffordshire.
School Mistress - Daughter Sarah Hannah Massey, sge 18, born Fazeley, Staffordshire.
Scholar - Son Arthur, age 9, born Presteigne, Radnorshire
Infant - Daughter Harriet, age 3, born Presteigne, Radnorshire
William Massey married Elizabeth Sillitoe in the Dec qtr of 1848 in St Paul's church Fazeley, Staffordshire
1851 (HO107/2013 f.383 p.14)
William and Elizabeth were lodging with Sarah Sillitoe, Elizabeth's mother. In Coleshill Street, Fazeley, Staffordshire. Williams profession was Sub Inspector of Police. Elizabeth was a Milliner and Dressmaker.
1861 (RG09/4232 f103 p14)
William and Elizabeth were living with their family in Hereford Street, Presteigne Their children were
William Samuel 1849,
Elizabeth 1851,
Sarah Hannah 1855,
Emily 1857,
Arthur 1861,
Walter John George 1865,
Harriet Amelia 1868
William's profession had stepped up a notch, he was now Superintendent of Police.
Wrexham Advertiser 23rd January 1875
BUMBLRDOM AT KNIGHTON - The Master of Knighton Workhouse has been committed for trial by a coroner's jury on a charge of manslaughter. A poor woman, named Mrs Jones, a pauper, had for two weeks only been allowed 1s 6d per week for herself and child, which the coroner said would only be 9d each per week, and which would not keep a dog. The excuse made on the part of the defendant were alleged as informalities, absence from home, and waiting for the board meeting, because of their strictness. At the board meeting 6s was allowed on the day of her death, which the master took to the house just after the woman had expired. There seems to be a wide-spread of opinion in the town that Mrs Jones did not die from the last days neglect only (for she had had some food from a poor neighbour or two), but from general neglect for the past two weeks. The deceased, it should be stated, had refused to go into the house. The jury thought it best to send the case for trial, and the master, Mr Massey, was then committed for manslaughter bail being accepted
At the Lent Assizes, Presteign, on 25 March 1875,William Massey was found Not Guilty of manslaughter.
1881 (RG11/ 5472 F26; p1)
Master - William Massey, age 59, born Bentley (?), Derbyshire
Matron - Elizabeth Massey, age 51, born Fazeley, Staffordshire.
Assistant Matron - Daughter Elizabeth Massey, age 30, born Fazeley, Staffordshire
Scholar - Daughter Harriet Amelia Massey, age 13, born Presteigne, Radnorshire
Unusually for institutional census returns, some of the inmates are grouped into families. This may reflect the fact that younger children were allowed to remain with their mothers in the workhouse. A widow with one child, and then four unmarried women, with five children between them, come into this category.
The next category seems to be all the other women, and girls over 7. Here we find six adult women (two of them imbeciles) and nine girls aged between 10 and 14 (one of the 14 year olds was an imbecile).
South Wales Daily News- 1st March 1884
KNIGHTON. A DETERMINED PAUPRR.-At the police- court on Thursday, Mary Griffiths, an inmate of the Knighton Union, was charged with absconding with the union clothes. - Mr Massey, master of the union, said on Tuesday morning, 26th February, the prisoner was in the women's passage abusing the matron. He went to her and asked what was the matter, and she complained that another inmate had been beating her child, but this was denied. She used bad language and refused to go about her work, so he ordered her to be locked in a bedroom. He heard that she had got out, and saw her going across a meadow in her chemise. He had since found her other clothing on the Fryth and in the infirmary garden. The value of them was 5s. She was taken back to the union, but again got out on two other occasions. There was no refractory ward in the Union. - Prisoner was sent to gaol for one mouth with hard labour.
William died on the 7th August 1888 and was buried on the 10th August in Knighton old cemetery. His place of residence at the time of death was Union House, Knighton.
William Massey personal estate £222 8s 8d
24 September 1888 - Administration of the personal estate of William Massey late of the Knighton Union Workhouse Knighton in the County of Radnor. Master of the said Workhouse who died 7 August 1888 at the said Workhouse was granted at Hereford to Elizabeth Massey of the said Workhouse Widow and relict.
Being granted the rights of administration does not mean that Elizabeth got all the money. It just meant that it was left to her to sort out who got the money.
William's wife, Elizabeth, died on 27th April 1903 and was buried on 2nd May. Elizabeth is buried with William. Elizabeth's place of death is Stechford near Yardley.
1903
Elizabeth Massey of Frederick Road Stechford Worcestershire widow died 27 April 1903. Administration Worcester 19 May to Elizabeth Rawlinson (wife of Richard Rawlinson) Effects £206 18s.
Elizabeth Rawlinson was William and Elizabeth's daughter, born 1851. She married Richard Henry Rawlinson on 27 Jul 1900 in Yardley, Worcestershire.
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
WILLIAM MASSEY
WHO DIED AUGUST 7th 1888
AGED 68 YEARS
ALSO ELIZABETH WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO FELL ASLEEP APRIL 27th 1903
AGED 75 YEARS
ALSO THEIR DAUGHTER EMILY,
INTERRED IN PRESTEIGNE CHURCHYARD
Emily Massey Died in 1861 aged 4 years.
Leominster News - 15th October 1886
ERECTION OF A NEW WORKHOUSE AT KNIGHTON.
In accordance with the demands of the Local Government Board made two years ago, the Guardians of the Knighton Union have erected a new workhouse on the site of that building erected in 1837, which was dilapidated, and very inadequate to meet requirements. Designs were invited by several architects, those of Mr Edward Jones (late Jones and Parke, Newtown), being finally approved. The contract was obtained by Mr John Williams, builder, Knighton. Mr Williams is a well-known builder throughout South Wales. The external walls of the main buildings are built in rock-faced shoddy-work, the stone being supplied from a local quarry. The quoins. jams, external arches, bands and chimney stacks are carried up in James Coster Edwards (Ruabon) red bricks. The sills, springers, key stones, etc., are of freestone from the Bridge and Curston Quarry Company, Grinshill, Shrewsbury. The staircase and entrance steps are of York stone. The internal walls, out-buildings and additions to school buildings are built in local brick from the Garth Brick Works. (Garth Brick Works, Wrexham)
The site is in a commanding position overlooking the town. With reference to the internal arrangements, the Board room and Committee room are on the first floor at the east end of the block, and along the north side is the Infirmary building, which is 130ft by 45ft, with four octagonal towers, and consists of two sick wards, each men and women, and one day room each, with water closets, baths and nurses rooms. In the rear and entirely detached, is the main block, measuring 121ft by 21ft. It is three storied, comprising men’s and women’s day rooms, dormitories, bath rooms, lavatories, and the latter are entirely detached and connected with the main building by small lobbies. The Master’s apartments are in the centre of the block. The general dining room (40ft by 21ft 6in) is built at right angles to the main building and so connecting the kitchen range (90ft by 21ft 6in) which comprises kitchen, scullery, bread store, pantry, laundry, drying room and wash-house. At the west end of the kitchen range stands the boys’ day room and lavatory, with w.c.’s in the rear, and store room over. The old school building has been raised one floor higher, and a new wing built to the south end. The ground floor now consists of boys’ and girls’ schoolroom, play sheds, girls’ day rooms, schoolmistress’ sitting room, lavatories and w.c.’s. The first floor is occupied by the girls as a dormitory and schoolmistress’ bedroom, the second floor being used as a boys’ dormitory. The whole of the rooms are thoroughly ventilated, and foul air extraction flues are built to all rooms and all the smoke flues are carried up 14 inch by 9 inch. The yards are entirely secluded. The airing yards are quite detached and the boundary walls are all built to correspond with the other buildings. The baths are constructed of Messrs Rufford and Co.’s porcelain enamel, while the w.c. fittings are supplied by Messrs Dent and Hollyer of London.
The work was only in hand for a little over 14 months, and for so large a building the contract was quickly carried out. This was chiefly due to the contractor’s excellent steam plant, which consisted of one of Marshall’s 8-horse power engines, which has ground the mortar, pumped the water and driven the hoist, by which a great amount of labour has been saved. The foreman of the works was Mr N. Hall, and Mr W. W. Southern was clerk of the works. Mr R. L. Roberts has been the gentleman in charge while the whole building has been erected. He has been the person who has done the detailing, and the way in which the building has progressed is a sufficient proof of Mr Roberts ability. The building, the cost of which is estimated at £7,000 is a very handsome addition to the architecture of the town.
The old workhouse which was erected in 1837, was built to contain 120 inmates. It must however be remembered, that, at that time Government permitted twice as many inmates to the space as it does now. The present building is estimated to contain 119, so that it is nearly twice the size of its predecessor. The following is a list of parishes who send paupers to this Workhouse, in the County of Radnor:- Beguildy, Bleddfa, Casoob, Discoyd, Heyop, Knighton, Norton, Llanbadarafynydd, Llanbister, Llandewy, Rhydithon, Llangunllo, Litton (township), Presteign, Pilleth, Stanage (township), Whitton.
In the County of Salop:- Bettws-y-Crwyn, Llanfair-Waterdine, Bedstone, Stowe, Bucknell, Buckton (township), Coxall (township).
In the County of Hereford:- Adforton, Brampton Brian, Walford (township).
1891 (RG 12/4582, f.23, p.1)
Master - William B. Waterer, age 29 born Newington, Surrey
Matron - Robina S. Waterer, age 32 born Edinburgh, Scotland
William Benjamin Waterer seems to have been confused as to who he actually was. He was born Benjamin Richard Waterer in 1854 in Newington, Surry. To parents Samuel and Jane Waterer. He married under the name William Benjamin Waterer when he married Robina Stewart Hutchinson on Saturday 7th December 1889 in Hackney. William's father's occupation on the marriage certificate was Poor Law Officer.
They had no children.
This was the second marriage for Robina. Robina's birth name was Robina Stewart Garrick. Her first husband was James Hutchinson.
William and Robina moved to pastures new in early 1892. They became Master and Matron of a Farm Home in Hedgerley Buckinghamshire. This was a home for young boys between the ages of 12 - 15 who were taught farming.
William and his wife later moved on to Strood in Kent where William became a poor law clerk.
When William died he reverted to his birth name of Benjamin Richard Waterer.
National Probate Calendar:
Benjamin Richard Waterer of 6 Hayward Avenue, Strood, Kent died 29 December 1923 aged 69 years. Probate London 26 January 1924 to Robina Stewart Waterer, widow. Effects £624 4s 4d.
Robina Stewart Waterer widow of 6 Hayward Ave, Cliffe Road, Strood died on April 3rd 1924. Her probate was in LONDON on 26th April of the same year to John Cameron Cooper, railway clerk and Edward Henry Thornton Simmons motor engineer. Effects £990 16s 1d
1901 (RG 13/5181, f.27, p.1)
Master - Richard (John) Morgan Butler, age 51, born Walton, Radnorshire
Matron - Ellen Butler, age 38, born Knighton Radnorshire
Richard Morgan Butler (age 38) married Ellen Abley (age 26) on Tuesday 14th August 1888 in Knighton. On the marriage certificate Richard's profession is entered as Relieving Officer. Richard's father's (also Richard Butler) profession is Inn Keeper (although his father died in 1864) Richard Snr was the landlord of the Red Lion in High Street, Presteigne.
Slater's 1859 directory the Red Lion, High Street, Presteignr. Proprietor, Richard Butler..
(Ellen Abley was a first cousin of John James Abley, Cabinet maker of 22 Broad Street, Knighton)
In 1891 Richard Morgan Butler was the Registrar of Births and Deaths in Knighton and living in Frydd Terrace. Richard took over the roll of Master of the workhouse on Thursday 26th November 1891.
South Wales Daily News - 28th November 1891
KNIGHTON. APPOINTMENT OF MASTER AND MATRON OF THE WORKHOUSE-—At the fortnightly meeting of the Knighton Board of Guardians held on Thursday, the Rev H. B. C. Davies presiding-, Mr and Mrs Butler were elected by a majority of 22 votes as master and matron of the Knighton Workhouse in place of Mr and Mrs Waterer, resigned. Mr Butler had acted as relieving officer of the Presteign and Knighton districts for upwards of 14 years under the same Union.
Richard and Ellen had 3 children, all born in Knighton. They were;
Richard Eric Morgan Butler, born 1889
William Robert W Butler, born 1890
Nesta Dagmar Hyacinth Butler, born 1899
Brecon County Times - 26th November 1896
TUE BOARD SHORT OF FUNDS.
The Clerk said the Treasurer had not enough money in hand to meet the claim for £400 for the repayment of the loan and interest on the Workhouse, and he had asked the Bank authorities to allow the Board to overdraw to the extent of £500 between now and Christmas. Mr Owen Roberts had replied that instructions had been sent to the local manager to allow the Guardians to overdraw £500 or so as desired. The Chairman said that was satisfactory. He was expecting a demand for interest.
The Rev. J. H. Brown: The money will soon be repaid.
The Chairman agreed, stating that a large call was out.
Brecon and Radnor Express - 1st April 1897
To Builders and Contractors.
THE Guardians of the Knighton Union require TENDERS for the ENLARGEMENT of the KNIGHTON WORKHOUSE. Plans and Specifications may be seen at the Workhouse. Tenders to be delivered on or before the morning of 9th April next, endorsed "Tender fur Works." The lowest or any other Tender will not necessarily be accepted. EDWIN H. DEACON, Clerk. Knighton, Radnorshire,
Hereford Times, Saturday 02 September 1899
FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL SHOW AND FETE AT KNIGHTON
R.M.Butler, Knighton. Setters pointers (sporting) prize £1
Kelly's directory of Monmouthshire & South Wales for 1895:
Workhouse, is situated near the town, is a building of stone and Red brick. Erected in 1833 (?) and rebuilt in 1886 at a cost of £7,000 and will hold 119 inmates; Richard Morgan Butler , Master; Rev. Chase Green-Price, Chaplain; Thomas William Graves, Medical Officer; Mrs Ellen Butler, Matron
Ellen died on Saturday 7th April 1906 and was buried on Tuesday 10th April 1906 in Knighton. Her address at the time of death was Offa's Lodge. From around 1900 the workhouse was officially known as Offa's Lodge Poor Law Institution.
Ellen did not have to depend on her husband, Richard, for money. She had money of her own.
Butler Ellen of Knighton Radnorshire (wife of Richard Morgan Butler) died 7th April 1906 administration Hereford 15 April to the said Richard Morgan Butler workhouse-master effects £273 12/-
Richard was killed in a Gas explosion at the Workhouse on the morning of Thursday 12th December 1907 and was buried on Saturday 14th December in Knighton. His address at the time of death was The Union House.
The officiating Minister at both Ellen and Richards burial was Herbert Chase Green Price. He was also the Rector of Brampton Bryan.
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
RICHARD MORGAN BUTLER
WHO WAS SUDDENLY
CALLED TO HIS REST
AGED 57 YEARS
ALSO ELLEN WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED APRIL 7th 1906
AGED 43 YEARS
BE YE THEREFORE READY ALSO: FOR THE SON OF
MAN COMETH AT AN HOUR WHEN YE THINK NOT.
DECEMBER 12th 1907
Montgomeryshire Echo - 19th November 1904
Board of Guardians are just now called upon, in consequence of a decision of the Registrar General, to find names for the houses over which they have control. Knighton Guardians found the task too stiff for one meeting, and consequently the matter has been twice discussed. Many names were suggested, but as the Workhouse lies at the foot of a wood, known as "The Ffrydd," it was eventually decided that that should be the name. A Welsh clergyman, who is a member of the Board, strongly and very properly objected to the bracketing of English and Welsh words, saying there was a lot too much of that in Radnorshire. Someone suggests that "Ffrydd Mansion" would have been all right as there are four "Butlers" at the house, this being the master's name
Montgomeryshire Echo - 7th January 1905
Knighton Guardians thought they had solved the difficulty of "naming the house" when they hit upon the name of "The Ffrydd," but Sir R D Green-Price, Bart., objected, this being, so he said, the name of his house in which Mr Frank Edwards, M P., resides I Anyhow, the resolution in favour of "The Ffrydd* was rescinded, and on Thursday the guardians had another go at the "christening" process. This time the choice has fallen on "Offa's Lodge." which is not inappropriate, as the historical Offa's Dyke can still be traced at several points not far distant from the house.
The Derby Daily Telegraph. Thursday December 12, 1907
EXPLOSION AT A WELSH WORKHOUSE A gas explosion occurred this morning at Knighton (Radnorshire Union) Workhouse as a result of which the master Mr R. M. Butler was badly injured and the floor of the Board Room wrecked. It is stated that the explosion happened while a search was being made for a slight escape. Mr Butler succumbed at noon to his injuries. The windows of the Board Room were blown out by the explosion and when the flooring blew up the stone walls beneath bulged outwards.
Weekly Mail, 21 December 1907
WORKHOUSE EXPLOSION. A KNIGHTON OFFICIAL'S FATAL MISADVENTURE.
Mr. Fred. Green, coroner, held an inquest yesterday on the body of Richard John Morgan Butler, for sixteen years master of Knighton Union Workhouse, whose tragic death, following the gas explosion, was reported on Friday. John Jones, clerk at the offices, stated that on opening the doors on Thursday morning he smelt an escape of gas, and reported to the deceased. He then inspected the meter, which had been put in only the previous day, and found that it had registered 1,900ft. in sixteen hours. Deceased came and turned the gas off at the meter. The door of the room and also the large outside door were open. He then fetched a candle. Witness told him not to go in, and he replied, "Why, if I turn the gas off?" Witness turned to the lavatory to wash his hands, and while there an explosion occurred, causing the door of the lavatory to fall in, and a portion of the wall fell against it. Witness subsequently escaped through the window and gave an alarm. After a search Butler was found under the fallen timber, and was conveyed to his rooms. Deceased was 57 years old, and a most careful man. Dr. Bernard Ward, locum tenens for Dr. Graves, said that he found the deceased suffering from a dislocated knee, fractured pelvis, and internal concussion. Morgan Beaumont, plumber, spoke of putting in and testing the meter on the previous day, and leaving it right. In his opinion the cause of the accident was, a leakage of gas beneath the floor, which was built of grooved boards, and was airtight. Gas might have escaped through a loose knot. William Jordan, builder, spoke of finding a small piece of candle at the bottom of the rubbish in the room. It appeared to have been just lighted. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and added that there had. been no negligence.
Richard Morgan Butler of Knighton Radnorshire. Master of Knighton Workhouse died 12th December 1907.Probate Hereford 25th Jan to Edward Griffiths, veterinary surgeon and Edward James Oldbury stationer.Effects £915 4s 3d
The headstone for Richard was supplied by Elijah Gough Monumental Mason.
Radnorshire Standard - 5 February 1908
THE WRECKED OFFICES
Tenders were read for the necessary repairs to the offices at the Workhouse, when that of Messrs. Anthony and Roberts, of Knighton, was accepted.
Leominster News - 7th February 1908
On Thursday last Mr and Mrs Davies, of Knighton, were appointed Master and Matron of the Knighton Union Workhouse. The other candidates were Mr and Mrs Deakins, eight votes; Mr and Mrs A Griffiths, six votes; Mr and Mrs G Griffiths, two votes. Mr and Mrs Davies received 20 votes, thus having a clear majority, and were duly elected.
Oldest inmates of the Union Workhouse.
Portsmouth Evening News - Wednesday 19 April 1893 The Master of Knighton Workhouse announced to the Guardians, yesterday, that an inmate, Mary Meredith, of Presteigne, had attained her 103rd year, and was remarkably well.
She must have been a game old bird on the 1891 census RG12 4582 27 10
Lodging House, Market Street, Knighton Mary Meredith widow head Lodging house keeper b1791 Presteigne
Jane Parton single servant b1872 Knighton
Plus 7 Lodgers!
In the parish registers there is a burial of a Mary Meredith, who died in the Union Workhouse Knighton. Burial 4 August 1893 in Knighton. "Buried without the service of the church after notice under burials act"
Amendment
After further research Mary Meredith could not have been 103 when she died, she was in fact only 93 years.
1851 census (HO107 Piece: 2493 Folio 126 Page 35 ) Mary Meredith is whith her husband James, Mary aged 51
1861 census (RG9; Piece: 4233; Folio: 33; Page: 18) Mary and James are still living in Knighton, Mary aged 62
1871 census (RG10 Piece 5596 Folio 40 Page 20) Mary is now a widow and aged 73
1881 census (RG11 Piece 5472 Folio 33 Page 16) Mary is now a General Dealer and is living with her son William and daughter-in-law Isabella and gives her age as 82
1891 census (RG12 Piece: 4582 Folio: 27 Page 10) Mary is a boarding house keeper and says she is 100. In fact she would have only been 91
Therefore, in 1893 she would have been only 93 when she died.
Also in the parish registers there is a burial for a William Mason who died in February 1907 aged 103, residence at time of death Workhouse Knighton. Burial 16 February 1907 in Knighton
For more on William, see here
1911 (RG14/ 33652 Page: 1.)
Master - George Storey, age 34, born Haltwhistle, Northumberland
Matron - Mary Ellen Storey, age 38, born Newham, Northumberland.
George Storey married Mary Ellen Potter in the Sept qtr of 1905 in the Tynemouth registration district.
They had one son while living in Knighton.
John Bolam Storey was born on 2nd May 1909 and baptised 30 May 1909, in Knighton. (named after his grandfather)
SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1ST JANUARY 1971
John Bolam STOREY, Engineer and Surveyor, Ipswich County Borough. Awarded an OBE
Georges mother and father John Bolan and Francis Storey (nee Heslop) were Master and Matron of the Cockermouth Union Workhouse, Cumberland in 1881. By 1891 John and Francis were in charge of Lincoln Workhouse.
1901 census RG13/1170 folio 162 page 1
Old Windsor (Poor Law) Union Infirmary and Lunatic Ward amongst the list of staff was George Storey, Single, age 24. He was the Masters Clerk
George and his family are buried in St Andrew’s Church Cemetery, Rushmere, Suffolk
Western Mail - 22nd August 1914
KNIGHTON WORKHOUSE APPOINTMENTS - Mr and Mrs Doidge, of Lawnceston, Cornwall, have been appointed mater and matron at the Knighton Workhouse in succession to Mr and Mrs W H Laird, who have resigned to take up better appointments at Lancaster Workhouse. There were 56 applications. The Rev, J Harrison, of Stowe, was elected to the vacant position of chaplain to the Workhouse.
The Brecon Radnor Express - 14th January 1915
CHRISTMAS FARE FOR INMATES. At Knighton Board of Guardians, on Thursday, Mr Lawton Moore presided. The master (Mr R. Doidge) reported that Mr Bishop had sent a cheque, with which a supper and presents of money for the men, oranges, apples, nuts, sweets etc., and an entertainment for the other inmates had been provided; buns and oranges had been given by Dr. Graves; tea, tobacco, oranges, sweets, &c., by Sir Francis and Lady Edwards; illustrated papers and books by Lady Green-Price and Mrs Cole, Knucklas; lemonade by Mr J. Cartwright; magazines by Mrs Steiner, Presteigne; sweets by Mr W. Williams; oranges and buns by Revs .J. Harrison and W. Williams; and Christmas letters and cards by Mrs Macfi. Also, that Dr. Graves and party had given an entertainment on the 29th December, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, with a tea and other Christmas gifts; and that the choir and friends of the Primitive Church had given an entertainment of vocal solos, with gramophone selections by Mr W. A. Roberts, and oranges and sweets, on the 6th inst. The chairman said the inmates had done exceedingly well during the Christmas time, and he was delighted that so many kind friends had thought of those poor people who did not enjoy so much of the pleasures of life as others. He proposed hearty thanks to the numerous donors.— The proposition was heartily agreed to. The master's report on the house showed that the heating apparatus worked satisfactorily, and was a great improvement to the former method of heating.
On 7th June 1917 an agreement was set up to use the workhouse as auxiliary hospital for soldiers.
On June 11th the workhouse was turned into a hospital for wounded soldiers. On that day the poor people had to be taken away, some of them went to Rhyader.
1923 Kelly's directory for South Wales lists one Mervyn Evans as master of what was then called the 'Poor Law Institution' in Knighton.
In 1930 the Poor Law Union of Knighton became the responsibility of the County Council and remained so until 1948. After 1948 it joined the new National Health Service as Knighton Hospital.
addendum (i) Taken from a book entitled Welsh in Oneida County, New York, published in 1914 and reproduced at rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nyunywh/oneidawelsh/
Many colliers and ironworkers found better pay in Pennsylvania and the reports of Welsh papers in America after 1838 show a steady increase in the numbers arriving from Wales. It remained for the great famine of 1848 and consequent hard times to bring the Welsh over in greatest numbers. While the Irish were suffering from the potato famine after 1845 and the Continentals were in the throes of revolution, Wales too was feeling the stress of hard times. Their potato crop had also failed in 1846 and hopes of a better season in 1847 were disappointed. Heavy snows of the winter; a late and cold spring and many storms thereafter had combined to cause poor harvests again. One Welshman of Aberteifi wrote his brother in New York in the early summer of 1847, "We are having very hard times in this section this year and we fear that it will go very much worse yet. There are thousands of Welsh already who are suffering for their daily bread. There is but very little grain among the farmers to be sold notwithstanding that they have seeded their ground." The potatoes had again been blighted in the blow and the oats and barley had but slightly filled out. All nature seemed to have conspired against prosperity. Very destructive thunderstorms occurred during the summer of 1847, doing much damage to the crops. Many diseases broke out in consequence of the need and privation following the famine. The harvest turned out better than expected and the labourers, aided by large importations from America, were partially relieved from the pressure of want. But the farmers gained little being affected at once by the lowered price of provisions. These low prices continued through the following year when in spite of a fairly good crop the farmers were much distressed and were crying out against the repeal of the Corn Laws which they claimed benefited all classes but themselves. Farm labourers found their wages lowered and in some cases the hours of labour lengthened.
(*) The ages in the 1841 census are rounded down to the nearest 5 year period i.e. ages 56, 57, 58 and 59 would be entered as 55.
Caveat lector: These are the known Masters and Matrons from censuses, but there may have been others between censuses.