Shropshire Routes to Roots

Desperate times: The Workhouse

The Guardians of the Atcham Union decided that potatoes were too expensive to buy in 1846, so they decided to give their paupers beans and cabbage instead [Shropshire Archive reference:PL1/2/2/3 ]

In consequence of the high price of potatoes and it being thought desirable that a considerable portion of the ground should not be reset with them this year. The clerk was ordered to apply for permission from the Poor Law Commissioners to use beans and cabbage in lieu thereof in the workhouse dietary on two days in the week during the ensuing season.