Rhoda Thake

101st birthday at Union Workhouse

By C Smith

Ware Union Workhouse, Collett Road c1930
HALS
Aerial view, 1970s. The workhouse was opened in 1839
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Expenses at the workhouse October 25th 1927
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Rhoda Thake celebrated her 101st birthday in 1927 at Ware Poor Law Institution (Workhouse).  She was born in 1826 and married a brewery employee at Broxbourne Parish Church and lived in Lord Street, Hoddesdon for many years.  According to a newspaper report, her doctor advised to go there because “she would receive the care and attention that one of her advanced years needed.”  A newspaper report of Christmas activities at the institution says that Mrs Thake is still quite well and happy and enjoyed her Christmas dinner.  Inmates were treated to a concert and received gifts, such as tobacco, oranges, sweets, nuts and tea etc.  The workhouse closed in the 1930s and became Western House Hospital (for the elderly) which closed in 1983.  The buildings became derelict but were converted into “luxury” flats in the 1990s.

This page was added on 03/07/2013.

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