A directory of 1827 recorded that:
In the same year, South Blyth (or Blyth Nook) had a workhouse at Crofton with Brodie Adam as its governor.
Tynemouth Poor Law Union was formed on 5th September 1836. Its operation was overseen by an elected Board of Guardians, 47 in number, representing its 24 constituent parishes and townships as listed below (figures in brackets indicate numbers of Guardians if more than one):
County of Northumberland:
Backworth, Bebside, Burradon, Chirton (4), Cowpen (2), Cramlington, Cullercoates, Earsdon, East Hartford, West Hartford, Hartley (2), Holywell, Horton, Long Benton (5), Monkseaton, Murton, Newsham and South Blyth (2), Preston, Seghill, Seaton Delavel, North Shields (5), Tynemouth (7), Wallsend (4), Whitley.
The population falling within the union at the 1831 census had been 47,715 with townships ranging in size from East Hartford (population 12) to Tynemouth itself (10,182). The average annual poor-rate expenditure for the period 1834-6 had been £13,140 or 5s.6d. per head of the population.
Initially, the union continued to use the existing parish workhouse, which was situated on Preston Lane (now Preston Road) in North Shields. Then, in 1848, a new union workhouse was erected, also located on Preston lane. Details of the workhouse layout at that time can be seen on the 1857 map below:
Tynemouth workhouse site, 1857.
The workhouse was substantially enlarged in 1886-9 after the acquisition of the cricket ground to the north of the existing site. The work included demolition of the original main workhouse building, although the existing buildings along the northern boundary wall were retained, along with the porter's lodge. The new workhouse layout are shown on the 1895 map below:
Tynemouth workhouse site, 1895.
New infirmary blocks were added in 1903 and 1909, followed by an operating theatre in 1913, mortuary in 1920, and receiving wards in 1925-6.
Tynemouth main workhouse building from the west.
In 1930, the workhouse became Tynemouth Corporation Public Assistance Institution, and subsequently Preston Hospital. The hospital closed in the mid-1990s and the site has been completely redeveloped for housing.
This page () is copyright Peter G Higginbotham. Last updated 26-Aug-2008
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