Hi, this tiny entry in the minutes of our local workhouse might clarify for everyone how things happened. "13th Dec 1838. Moved an application to be made to the Poor Law Commissioners for an authority to apprentice out to shoemakers or tailors the following persons , William Wellam, aged 19 an orphan and a dwarf belonging to the parish of Denver . Henry Tingay aged 13 father dead mother dying of consumption belonging to the parish of Stoke Ferry and Samuel Page aged 13 subject to fits father dead belonging to the parish of Watlington. Moved by Mr Press for permission to take into the workhouse for 3 months , two of the children of Robert Bushel of West Dereham a pauper at 12/- per week and at home family consists of himself, his wife, and 6 children oldest 9 years of age the wife expecting to be confined any day . Mr Press stated that he believed the family were starving and that they would not be able to get anyone to assist them in her confinement for want of means. " It makes grim reading but even grimmer to live through . " Resolved that the Poor in the workhouse have roast beef and plumb pudding on Christmas Day ." life is hard . soften it with a cat \\\=^..^=///