Christmas in Solihull Workhouse

The Solihull & District Monthly Magazine (the magazine of Solihull parish church), reported in January 1895 on Christmas at Solihull Workhouse. The workhouse was in Lode Lane, Solihull, and was administered by Solihull Poor Law Union. It opened in 1838 to provide accommodation and food for people who were unable to support themselves financially – mostly the sick and elderly.

According to the parish magazine, the inmates of the workhouse in December 1894 spent a very happy Christmas there, with all of the wards “tastefully decorated” by the Workhouse Master (Mr Bushell), the Matron (Miss Allen), and their officials.

The entrance hall of the workhouse bore the motto: “Success and prosperity to the R.D.C. (Rural District Council) of the Solihull Union” in acknowledgement of the establishment of Solihull RDC under the Local Government Act 1894.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, the children and a number of adults, assembled in the large room, where Miss Madeley, daughter of Mr Charles Madeley, chairman of the Board of Guardians, met them and presided at the organ, and played the accompaniment to a number of carols which were sung at great spirit. The ceiling was adorned with paper chains, whilst the walls had more paper chains, seasonal mottoes, holly and evergreens.

The children and adults subsequently paid a visit to those in the sick ward and “cheered their hearts with a similar programme, after which all retired for the night.”

Before the evening’s proceedings had terminated, Mrs Wright, of Hillfields, paid a visit to the Workhouse, expressing the hope that all of the inmates would enjoy a happy Christmastide. She distributed tea and sugar among the women whilst some of the men, who preferred tea to tobacco, were also recipients. Oranges and books were also part of Mrs Wright’s gifts, in addition to the number of pictures to grace the walls of the wards.

Each child also received from Mrs Wright books, sweets, oranges, and toys. The girls in the workhouse received a gift of dolls. Several well-wishers had also sent gifts in the shape of cards, toys, sweets, etc.

Christmas Day

At 10am on Christmas morning, a service was held by the chaplain, Rev. Dr. Robert Wilson (also Head of Solihull Grammar School), accompanied by Miss Madeley on the organ.

At half-past twelve on Christmas Day the dinner bell rang and, with the exception of those detained in the sick ward, the inmates assembled in the dining hall. Those in the sick ward had already been served first.

The Board of Guardians had granted the customary “extras” and meaning that there was an “abundant supply” of roast beef, vegetables and plum pudding. Several visitors were present during the dinner hour, and these included Mr Madeley and his daughters, Mr and Mrs J. Courtenay Lord, Mr Lees of Lode Lane, Mr Martineau and others.

At the close of the meal and after grace had been sung, one of the old men, named Clarke, came forward and on behalf of the inmates acknowledged the liberality of their friends and called for hearty cheers which were enthusiastically responded to.

When dinner was over, tobacco and pipes were given to the men while the women were supplied with oranges and apples. The children received bags of sweets, fruits, nuts etc., and later on toys. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Guardians, the friends who had assisted in the promotion of the comfort of the inmates, and the Master and Matron and officials.

In the evening adults and children were re-assembled in the large room for supper, and the remainder of the night was spent in carol singing, returning to rest between nine and ten o’clock, exceedingly delighted with their entertainment.

© Solihull Council, 2024.
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