Refuge for the destitute - ward for females 1843

This refuge for the destitute and homeless was situated in the Playhouse Yard, Whitecross Street. This is the ward for females with coffin like boxes for beds. The refuge consisted of three rooms, lit with gas and some smaller rooms. The men and women slept in separate rooms, or wards with children staying in the women's ward. 650 people could be accomodated here. There was a prominent - No Smoking - sign displayed in both male and female wards. People slept in their clothes and in the morning would receive half a pound of bread before having to leave. On Sundays, they received cheese as well as were allowed to stay the whole day. Those lucky enough to be granted refuge over Christmas in 1843, were also given plum cake and coffee

1843 Accomodated Allowed Beds Cheese Consisted Destitute Displayed Granted Playhouse Plum Pound Prominent Receive Refuge Separate Situated Slept Smaller Stay Staying Sundays Wards Whitecross

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