In 1834 the government introduced an entirely new system for looking after the poor. The country was divided into areas to provide care through local Poor Law Unions. The Machynlleth Union was formed in this way and was run by a Board of Guardians with representatives from across the area.

The government required the Machynlleth Union to lock away those paupers - or poor people - who could not look after themselves, in a new large workhouse.
Like the Rhayader Union, the Machynlleth Union was reluctant to the build such a workhouse, choosing instead to pay relief out of Union funds and to allow paupers to stay in their homes.
To see how poor people were looked after by the Machynlleth Union in the Victorian period, choose from the list below.