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Plans of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton

Plans of the ground and first floor of the Cricklade and Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse in 1880.

Known more familiarly as The Purton Workhouse, it was was designed by George Wilkinson, architect of many workhouses including those of Malmesbury and Devises in Wiltshire.

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
1880
Type
Plan
Location
Purton Museum
Copyright
Purton Museum and Historical Society
Credit
Pete Melsom
Last updated on
Saturday 18th April 2026
Ground Floor Plan.jpg
First Floor Plan.jpg
Ground Floor Plan.jpg
First Floor Plan.jpg

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Postcard (2) of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton
Postcard (2) of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse at Purton
1900-1910 Type: Photograph
Aerial view of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse
Aerial view of Cricklade & Wootton Bassett Union Workhouse
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Purton Workhouse interview with Alec Robbins
Purton Workhouse interview with Alec Robbins
c. 1992 Type:
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