The workhouse
This diet
sheet would have been displayed on the wall
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. 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." Back
to list of food and diseases
A
diet sheet for the workhouse
Pint
- 0.568 litre.
Gruel
- liquid meal of oatmeal boiled in water or milk.
Broth
- thin soup made from meat or fish stock.