Historian Peter Holme continues his look at life in the workhouse at Kendal in years gone by

IN MARCH 1889 the Board of Guardians of the Workhouse at Kendal advised that as an interesting experiment they were going to add to the employment available as task work for tramps.

In addition to oakum-picking and stone breaking they would be adding corn grinding.

Mr MacDonald originally introduced the subject and pointed out it would be much more useful than either of the other two.

With oakum picking there was a loss of 30s per ton, he said. Professional tramps got expert at the work and the task became perfectly easy and they were to perform it and leave the house within a very short time. The honest workman out of employment had to plod on for hours at this dreary occupation, restricting his chance of obtaining a job outside.

Broken stones only fetched 10d a yard but on the other hand it had been calculated that each grinding mill used would give a profit of 6d for every 190lbs of corn ground.

The board decided to give the system a trial and three of the board members were to procure one mill for the purpose of the experiment.

In January 1896 a man of 60 wrote to the Board of Guardians: “Can you find me a good little housekeeper in the workhouse? She must not be a drinker, lazy or always tired, and must be able to make a good pot pie and cook a beefsteak; she must be about 40 years of age, and be able to carry water and coals upstairs. She must not have a long tongue, nor be above 15 stone. If she does not suit she will go downstairs sharp. If she is a good one, and does not pawn things I will marry her. If the wife is not a good one she will be left on your hands.”

The Guardians decided that the appropriate Eve for such an Adam was not in the workhouse.

From The Westmorland Gazette of January 1889: 'The inmates of Kendal Workhouse received their usual treat on New Year’s Day and every effort was made to make them happy

'Appropriate mottoes and decorations were scattered over the walls. The tables were well laden with fruitcake of every kind and the inmates to the number of 121, appeared to enjoy it thoroughly. The treat is provided by subscription. After tea, and before leaving the table, tobacco and snuff were distributed. A recitation was given by an inmate named Thompson, and a song by another inmate named Alan Speight. On leaving the room, each inmate received a fruit bun.

'In the evening of New Year’s Day an entertainment was provided for the inmates in the schoolroom when Cinderella was performed. Miss Hayhurst, daughter of the Governor, had interested herself in the work and the result was a most capital entertainment.

'A gentleman also sent a sum of money anonymously to be spent for the benefit of the inmates.'