Poor, destitute, orphaned, widowed, pregnant outside marriage you may have ended up here in Victorian South East England. The Pembury Workhouse. Segregated from family, siblings, parents, illiterate labelled as an imbecile, lunatic or idiot, future life must have seemed bleak. Especially when exposed to smallpox, typhoid, scarlet fever, measles or typhus. However, all eyes would have seen these beautiful windows even if not at the same time.
How many quiet whispers and prayers were sent upwards towards these bright colourful panels of glass?
How many women have Amelia Scott to thank for her dedication to providing a safer environment for women to give birth in or for caring for the dead in the workhouse. One of the great suffragettes who made a positive difference to women's causes.
An excellent talk by Historian John Weeks at Tunbridge Wells Hospital reminds us of how far we have come in social reform and medical provision. If you missed the talk, make sure you book it for next year.
Tunbridge Wells Heritage Open Days
Or buy John's book
Bandages and Benevolence A History of the Tunbridge Wells Hospitals
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