Catalogue description RATCLIFFE WORKHOUSE

Ratcliffe Workhouse was situated on the corner of Salmon's Lane and York Street West, Ratcliffe (later renamed Barnes Street). In January 1837 it was described as being 'a very good Establishment, and nearly new, it is capable of holding 350' (St.BG/L/1). In 1848 it was being used to accommodate infirm men and women over the age of 60. When the new Stepney Union Workhouse at Bromley opened in 1863, the Board of Guardians intended to close Ratcliffe Workhouse. It ceased to receive inmates in 1872, but the Stepney Union Board Room and Offices which were in Ratcliffe Workhouse continued in use. In 1893 the need to increase accommodation for the sick at Bromley House led to the reopening of Ratcliffe Workhouse 'for healthy old men and women'. It was also used as a receiving home for children. The general series of admission registers, creed registers and the death register all contain entries relating to children.