The work house ([1744])

Jenkins, Alexander. The history and description of the city of Exeter and its environs, ancient and modern, civil and ecclesiastical. Exeter: P. Hedgeland, 1806. CHAP IV. p. 196.1707. New Workhouse built.In the year 1699, an act of Parliament was procured for the better employment, and maintenance of the Poor inhabitants of this city, and county, and the next year, a new Workhouse was begun, on an elevated and healthy spot of ground, in the parish of St. Sidwell's, which was carried on with such vigour, that in the same year, the central part of the building was finished; but the whole was not completed till the year 1707, at a very great expence [sic] to the citizens. This building forms a large quadrangle, open towards the South; the centre contains a handsome Chapel, terminated by a cupola, in which is a clock, and dial; convenient apartments for the governor, different offices for the use of the house, and spacious rooms for the meeting of Committees. The wings, which extend to a great length, are divided into Wards (or Ranges) which are kept clean, and wholesome, and are spacious enough to contain several hundreds of paupers; behind, are buildings designed for the better accommodation of those who, having lived in credit, are reduced through misfortunes to apply to their Parishes for relief. There are likewise workshops, and other conveniences, with a spacious Green in front, planted with rows of trees, where the poor inhabitants may both take the air and recreate themselves: a Chaplain is also provided, who preaches every Sunday, and reads prayers twice in every week, when each pauper, if not bedridden, is obliged to attend. The whole building, green, and gardens, are surrounded by a lofty brick wall, and at the time of its erection, was esteemed the first building of its kind in England.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Copper l.engr

163x289mm

Inset on Rocque's plan of Exeter