The workhouse
  A diet sheet for the workhouse
Glossary
 

This diet sheet would have been displayed on the Workhouse notice boardwall of each workhouse after 1882. From 1834 inmates had the right to have their rations weighed in front of them and scales were often placed in the dining hall.

Rations that were allowed were often less than those given to prisoners in jail. Broth was usually the water meat had been boiled in.

"Dietary Table: Supper. Males above 15 years of age - 8 oz. of Bread or 6 oz of Bread, and 1 pint of Gruel or 1 pint of Broth.

Oz. - ounces. One ounce equals about 28 grams.
Pint - 0.568 litre.
Gruel - liquid meal of oatmeal boiled in water or milk.
Broth - thin soup made from meat or fish stock.

 
 
 

Females above 15 years of age, Children from 7 to 15 years of age - 6 oz of Bread, and 1 pint of Gruel or 1 pint of Broth.

Breakfast - same as Supper. Children under seven years of age: For each child under the age of seven months - half pint of Milk and half oz of Sugar. For each child between the ages of seven months and two years - half pint of Milk, half oz of Sugar, and 2 oz of Bread. For each child between the ages of two years and seven years - half pint of Milk, 4 oz of Bread, and half oz of Cheese."

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