Urban workhouses

Urban workhouses were institutions established in the 19th century to provide relief for the poor and unemployed in cities. Designed to be self-sufficient, they offered shelter, basic necessities, and employment—often through manual labor. Conditions varied but could be strict and harsh to discourage dependency. Workhouses aimed to reduce the cost of poor relief while encouraging work and self-sufficiency among impoverished populations, reflecting a period of social and economic reform. They played a significant role in the history of social welfare, though they are now remembered for their often difficult environment.