Wolstanton and Burslem union workhouse at Chell

Westcliffe Hospital
Built in 1894 by the Wolstanton and Burslem Union as an addition to the existing workhouse

photo: © Steve Lewin Dec 2005
and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

1894 Wolstanton & Burslem Union

Across the road from the hospital is the site of the workhouse burial ground. A few of the plain headstones can still be seen, rectangular in shape and unmarked. They are mainly covered in green moss. The perimeter was originally iron railings and a hedge. Most of the hedge has survived but now is overgrown in many places.

a group of four headstones, two can be seen in the upper left of the frame,
covered in moss. The best one is on the right

A plaque outside the burial ground,
across from the hospital, was laid in 1992. It reads:

City of Stoke-on-Trent
Plaque unveiled by the Lord mayor of Stoke-on-Trent

Councillor Alan Jones 6th October 1992

To commemorate the opening of

Scotia Valley Reclamation Scheme Phase 1

Incorporating the former burial ground of the

Wolstanton and Burslem Union Workhouse

REST IN PEACE

photos of gravestones: Sue Williams

Grim Workhouse became a haven for the destitute

Although Arnold Bennett described the Victorian workhouse at Chell as the Bastille, its grim reputation wasn't deserved in later years.

Life under the strict regime at Chell might have been hard, but for destitute families it was a good deal better than living on the streets.

Mavis Shufflebottom, former administrator at Westcliffe Hospital, maintains that the old Wolstanton and Burslem Union Workhouse adjoining the hospital was a refuge which undoubtedly saved some peoples lives.

"There was no social security or family allowance in those days," she says, "so the inmates of the workhouse were thankful to get three cooked meals a day."

Between the wars it became known as the Turnhurst Institution but continued to perform the same role. it accommodated up to 350 people, including many children who were given lessons in a schoolroom. Tramps were still admitted, provided they were deloused.

Mrs. Shufflebottom explains that in the 1940's the name was changed to Westcliffe residential home. Tramps were barred and the last burial took place in a paupers cemetery on the opposite side of the road.

The old building continued to operate as a home for poor people until 1975 when the 300 residents were moved into five purpose built homes in other parts of the city. It was demolished in 1993.

The Sentinel Newspaper, December 1997

Stoke-on-Trent Local History