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The Purton Workhouse: A BBC Wiltshire Sound Recording

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Aerial view of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse

Aerial view of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse
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An aerial view of the Cricklade and Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse in Purton shows the extent of the building. Built in 1837 to accommodate 200 inmates, it was based on a model "square plan" published by the Poor Law Commissioners in 1835 with segregated areas for men and women, young and old, able and infirm.

To discover more about life in Purton Workhouse, read the BBC interview with Alec Robbins shown below.

Year:
1950-1980
Type:
Photograph
Location:
Purton Museum
Copyright:
Purton Museum and Historical Society
Credit:
Pete Melsom
Last updated on:
Saturday 18th April 2026

Items of Interest

Postcard (2) of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton
Postcard (2) of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton

An early 20th Century view of the front of the Cri...

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Plans of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton
Plans of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton

Plans of the ground and first floor of the Crickla...

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Purton Workhouse interview with Alec Robbins
Purton Workhouse interview with Alec Robbins

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIOA BBC Wiltshire Sound intervie...

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