Former Preston Union Workhouse, Lancashire
This building was originally Preston Union Workhouse. It was built in 1865-1868 by the architect Leigh Hall. It was to accommodate up to 1,500 inmates. The building was delayed by 30 years after the formation of the Poor Law Union, because of local political opposition. The main object of the architect was "to make the classification of the inmates as perfect as possible" (females to west, males to east, children of each sex in the corresponding wing). Rear exercise yards, plunge baths, wash-houses for females (etc) have since been demolished. The cost was estimated as £30,000 but exceeded £50,000, many local ratepayers were critical of its architectural extravagance.
Location
Lancashire PrestonPeriod
Victorian (1837 - 1901)Themes
