In Medieval times, caring for the poor was the moral duty of the Church (and Monasteries). During the period of Elizabeth I and the "Old" Poor Law, each parish became responsible for the care of its poor, and the administration of the poor law forms a very significant part of parish records. Lying as it does on important roads, Hungerford experienced a constant stream of people passing through, often requesting alms. Designated workhouses were established during the eighteenth century. Follow this link for much more information about Caring for the Poor.

The First Workhouse: The earliest Overseer's Accounts for Hungerford date from as early as 1727. They mention the workhouse, although the site of this building is not yet known for certain.

The Second Workhouse: There are several references show that the building which now is the John of Gaunt Inn in Bridge Street was the site of the workhouse in Hungerford, at least between c1764 and 1778.

There is a little confusion about the next phase of the workhouse history. It is thought that c1778 the poor house was at the Green Dragon inn. It had previously been thought that the workhouse was at The Green Dragon until the paupers were moved to Lambourn prior to the building of the new Union workhouse in Park Street. However, new evidence has come to light (in Jan 2012) regarding the use of The Three Tuns as the poorhouse between 1782 and 1836:

The Fourth Workhouse: Around 1780, possibly 1783 when entries in the Constables' Accounts start referring to "the old workhouse", the workhouse moved to a larger building in Charnham Street. (The original Bridge Street workhouse became an inn at about the same time, although the exact date is unclear - but it is clearly labelled as "John of Gaunt" in the 1819 Enclosure Award map.)

It seems that the new poor house was in premises previously known as The Three Tuns, owned by Edward Sheppard.

In 1782 Edward Sheppard agreed in principle to let The Three Tuns premises in Charnham Street to trustees (Charles Dalbiac and others) for 99 years from 25 Mar 1783 for a rental of £27 per annum (payable in twice yearly installments). There was to be an option to purchase the premises (for £420) at a later date. A lease was to be prepared by 1 Jan 1783 confirming full details. It was intended that from the date of the agreement, the premises were to be converted for use as a poor-house for Hungerford.

In 1800 Edward Sheppard died; his only daughter, Margaret, inherited, and she married Charles Alderman on 21 Jun 1801.

On 1 Apr 1819 the churchwardens and overseers of the poor took over the full repairing lease of the poor-house for the remaining period of the original lease (now 63 years).

On 28 Sep 1835 Charles Alderman ("of Kintbury") gave notice to the overseers of the poor to quit his Charnham Street premises by the following Lady Day (25 Mar 1836). The overseers responded by quitting most of the premises, but retaining part for use as a board-room, at a rent of £6 15s per quarter. On 20 Feb 1836 Charles Alderman served notice to the "visitors and guardians of the poor" - under Gilbert's Act) that he required them "to pay for all dilapidations". The legal case reached Court by 1839. The Court found for the plaintiffs.

For more information see The Three Tuns.

In 1834 the Poor Law Amendment Act swept away the "Old Poor Law" - and introduced a new system of poor relied just when poor relief was at its height. It brought together groups of parishes into "unions", and a more formal basis of support for the poor in large workhouses. It minimised the provision of outdoor relied in people's homes and made confinement in a workhouse the central element of the new system. In essence life in the workhouse was to be made as unpleasant as possible in an effort to deter people from seeking relief. So successful was this policy that the dread of the workhouse continued well into the 20th century.

The 1834 Poor Law Amendment Act provided for Boards of Guardians to administer the Poor Law on a local basis, and also provided for groups of parishes to be amalgamated into "unions" for administrative purposes.

The Hungerford and Ramsbury Union was formed on 1 May 1835. At the time the Union was formed there were workhouses at Kintbury and Lambourn as well as one at Hungerford. The Hungerford  workhouse was in Charnham Street, the property known as "The High House", now Charnham Close.

It must have been in poor condition, and certainly inadequate for the number of paupers to be housed in it. Consideration was given to refurbishing it. However, in the end, all the paupers were transferred to the Lambourn workhouse "by cart", probably in March 1836.
^ top ^
For the next ten years the Guardians continued to meet in the old Hungerford Workhouse. The Relieving Officer also lived there. Meetings were held weekly.

John of Gaunt Inn, Mar 2007
First Workhouse c1764-78

Charnham Close, Jun 2007
Workhouse late 18th century

The Union Workhouse, Park Street, c1908
Third Workhouse 1848-1947

Hungerford & Ramsbury Union Workhouse Regulations, 1914

From the Newbury Weekly News, 19th April 1934:
At the meeting of the committee on Monday last, Mr Allright said that they were never informed of figures concerning the institutions, but he had ascertained that at the Hungerford institution there were now 78 inmates with a staff of 30 to look after them, which seemed absurd.
He thought that the public assistance committee should consider very seriously whether the institution was worth running.
There was always something wanting to be done at Hungerford, which was a very scattered place and badly planned. Perhaps it might be made a place for mental deficients.
"If we go on spending money on it, some guardians will have to be certified and go there" he added.
There was no discussion.

Working Drawings of Fire Survey of Hungerford Hospital - 1st & 2nd floor only Nov 1977

Hungerford Hospital
Prior to closure in 1989