This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: anne_peat Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.yks.general/14875.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: If you look at the description of the workhouse, you will see that there was an infirmary - that is, a hospital, as part of the workhouse. Before the days of the National Health Service, (post WW2) when people had to pay for medical treatment, the workhouse infirmary was often the only place where the poor could get free medical care. It was not unusual to have a spouse in the workhouse and another outside. If they were old or weak themselves, it was often not possible for them to care for sick relatives at home - particularly if the home did not have heating, running water etc. or if the illness was infectious or contagious. What did your g grandmother die of? Is that a clue to why she was there. Anne Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.