Catalogue description Content: Folios 62-73. [Continued from MH Paper Number: 12/14589/] Deposition of...

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Details of MH 12/14589/43
Reference: MH 12/14589/43
Description:
Content: Folios 62-73. [Continued from MH Paper Number: 12/14589/] Deposition of Thomas Alderson. Thomas Alderson, inmate of the workhouse, stated that he, together with Thomas Rycroft, helped wash Swinbank with cold water, which had been fetched by Stones. Latterly, for about a week, warm water was used. Taken on the 7 July by Hurst. Alderson made his mark. Deposition of John Richard McCullagh [John Richard McCollah]. McCollah, Medical Officer, Reeth Workhouse, stated that Swinbank, who was 63 years old and under his care, suffered from diarrhoea and dirty habits. He was told by his assistant, Mr Roddan, that Swinbank was washed in cold water. Roddan was sent back to the workhouse with orders that Swinbank be washed with warm water in a slipper bath and provided with a fire in his bedroom. McCollah attended Swinbank for six days before he died of regular exhaustion and natural causes. He did not think cold water accelerated his death and would not have been an act of cruelty. Swinbank's diet had been satisfactory at the time. Taken on the 7 July by Hurst. Deposition of William Hills. William Hills, Master of the Reeth Workhouse, said that about six weeks ago Edward Stones assisted him in removing Swinbank's soiled shirt and carrying him downstairs in a sheet, without banging his head on the steps. Swinbank was then moved to the yard where a pail of warm water was thrown over him. Stones was then instructed to fetch more water and Rycroft and Alderson to wash Swinbank. That water may have been cold but, after the doctor had been consulted, warm water was used subsequently. When cross-examined, Hills stated he saw no problem in washing Swinbank in the yard since it would keep the house clean and the weather was mild. When re-examined, Hills stated he stopped Peacock from coming to the house because he thought him an immoral man and he had been discharged as a barber by the board of guardians. He admits he bought two pairs of shoes in Reeth and that he had struck Swinbank with a stick for calling him a liar. Annotated: Charges against Workhouse master. No former correspondence. This appears to be the first time that the charges which form the subject of this enquiry have been under the notice of the Board. The three notes annexed to the report appear to have been addressed to Mr Hurst. Reeth Workhouse. Charge against Master of the Workhouse to be investigated in July. First letter from James Peacock dated 23 May 1854 stated it was his duty to report the cruelty of Hills towards Swinbank and detailed the events which included the removal of the inmate down the stairs and into the yard for washing. He referred to information he had received from Ann Peacock and suggested that care be taken in examining her since she was afraid of ill-treatment from Hills. Peacock had been union barber but had been dismissed by Hills. It was six days after the reported ill- treatment of the inmate that he died. Draft letter to James Peacock [from Norman Edward Hurst] stating that he would visit Reeth to inquire into the matters he raises. Second letter from Peacock dated 27 May 1853 [1854]. Peacock again charged Hills with cruelty to a pauper and said that Mr Tomlin [James Robinson Tomlin, Clerk to the Reeth Poor Law Union] wrongly represented Hills. He accused Hills of attachment to liquor both in Reeth and when in the country paying the paupers their pensions. Reference is made to Tomlin's investigation with the guardians into 'inhuman acts' and evidence had been taken from two inside paupers which Peacock suggests was biased since one of the witnesses wished to clear the Master. Hills had been fined £2 or £2 2s by the Board for a fault with the out pensions. The striking of Swinbank with a stick was again raised and Hills' ability to keep the workhouse books in order was challenged. Peacock concluded that he was sure an inquiry was necessary and if not arranged he would 'apply to some other place'. Note [from Hurst to Peacock] refers to a visit to Reeth in July to inquire into the matter. Third letter from James Peacock [to Hurst] acknowledged a letter [from Hurst] and stated that the inmate [Swinbank] had since died and that many people in the county were keen that Hills' behaviour be examined. He stated he would be happy to attend an enquiry when called for. 26499/1854. Poor Law Union Number 555. Counties: Yorkshire North Riding.
Date: 1 July 1854 - 31 July 1854
Held by: The National Archives, Kew
Legal status: Public Record(s)
Language: English
Closure status: Open Document, Open Description

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