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North Bierley Poor Law Union and Workhouse

The North Bierley Union Workhouse, at Nab End, Clayton was opened in 1858,to house 250 paupers, serving six parishes. The Workhouse provided accomodation for the destitute, a general infirmary for the sick, maternity wards, a sanatorium, a nursery home and accomodation outside institution grounds for 20 children between 12 months and four years.
The workhouse was self-sufficient, growing their own vegetables, keeping cattle and had their own water supply. Tramps and vagrants were allowed to spend one night at the workhouse, being fed a supper after being made to have a bath, but had to be in before 8 pm when a bell tolled and the gates locked.
When the workhouse system ended it became Thornton View Hospital, an old peoples home, but is now a Moslem girls school.
Source: Extracted from 'Clayton Then and Now' by Margaret Dalgety submitted by John Spencer Wilkinson  

North Bierley Union comprises the 16 townships of Allerton, 
Bolton, Calverley cum Farsley, Clayton,  Cleckheaton,  Drighlington, Heaton, Hunsworth,  Idle, North Bierley,  Pudsey,  Shipley,  Thornton,  Tong, Wyke and Wilsden. 
It is in Bradford Superintendent Registration District, & was formed into a separate Union in 1848. 

The guardians meet at the boardroom in Darley Street, Bradford, every Thursday, at 10 morning; but the Workhouse is at Idle. Mr Joseph Morris is the union clerk; Mr Matthew & Mrs Booth are master & matron of the Workhouse; & Messrs Joseph Boothroyd, Wm Wilson & Samuel Crabtree are the relieving officers.
Source: WHITE'S 1853 CLOTHING DISTRICTS OF YORKSHIRE
Submitted by Betty Longbottom

Idle Workhouse
The Old Workhouse has been twice enlarged for the use of North Bierley Union.
Source: WHITE'S 1853 CLOTHING DISTRICTS OF YORKSHIRE p.379
Submitted by Betty Longbottom

NORTH BIERLEY UNION

24th REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS IN LUNACY - 1870

APPENDIX K - Number of Lunatics, Idiots etc NOT in Asylums, Registered Hospitals or Licensed Houses chargeable on North Bierley Union

ESTABLISHMENT MALE  FEMALE TOTAL
In Workhouses  28 31 59
Residing with Relatives or Others 9 16 25


APPENDIX L - Workhouses - List of those visited in 1869
Bierley, North - Number of Insane, Idiotic & Imbecile Inmates

Male 27 Female 27 Total 54


29th REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS IN LUNACY - 1875

APPENDIX A - Number of Lunatics chargeable on North Bierley Union

ESTABLISHMENT   MALE FEMALE  TOTAL
County & Borough Asylums 43 46 89
Registered Hospitals & Licensed Houses 1 --- 1
In Workhouses 18 24 42
Residing with Relatives and others 7 10 17
Grand Total 69 80 149

 
APPENDIX K - Workhouses - list of those visited during 1874
Bierley, North - Number of Insane, Idiotic & Imbecile Inmates

Male 24 Female 29 Total 53

Source: Transcribed and Submitted by Betty Longbottom

Page last updated 06 August, 2007 by Rossbret