Life in the Workhouse: the story of the Milton Union, Kent

The story of the dreaded spike!

A comprehensive, illustrated and indexed account of the Milton Union workhouse from 1834 to its closure and the continuing life of the building as a geriatric hospital. It is a story of harsh dealings with the poor which over the years was gradually softened

• Riots when the new workhouse was set up
• Early bleak years under an incompetent Master
• How those who would not pick oakum or break stone were locked up
• Tramps came in their thousands every year
• Cholera epidemic
• Poor design of the building with its rudimentary sanitation
• The Master accused of being a spy during the First World War