Reviews of the book
"A History of Prescot Union Workhouse"
The book is A5 size 128+ pages with a glossy paperback cover in full colour.
Mr C of St Helens:
Pauline Hurst is an accomplished family historian who has devoted a great deal of time and energy to research for this book. Besides being a fascinating read it illustrates the "Dickensian" conditions endured by the poor in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It chronicles the development of the workhouse from a philanthropic idea in the 1840s to its present day status as a major District General Hospital. It contains wonderful images of the original architect’s drawings and photographs plus records of the day to day activities of the inmates and staff. All in all it gives a wonderfully vivid picture of the lives of the people who inhabited this foreboding institution.
Mrs P of Prescot
A very absorbing read on a very popular local history site. Lots of interesting photos from the archives and local newspaper articles have been used for the first time in any publication available. The history of the Chapel includes photos and information about its unique double use for faiths to worship and its demolition in 2006. I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in local history.
Mr B of Worcestershire
I have researched extensively the workhouses in this county and am now putting together a collection of workhouse related material viz. postcards, tokens, ephemera, books about UK workhouses and about the whole workhouse system etc. Of all the books I have purchased on specific Houses yours is by far the best and most informative. Many books make just a passing reference to the mass emigration of young people to Canada and suchlike places.
