On May 17 1732, it was reported that, at a general meeting of parishioners, “to determine about a Workhouse for the better employment of the Poor of the parish”, the churchwardens, overseers and others, “should agree with any artificer(s) for compleating and finishing the same. Churchwardens to be empowered to borrow the money necessary for the rebuilding the Workhouse until ....raised by rates”. [‘rebuilding’ because it replaced old tenements].

   Trustees were appointed on Sept 18 1732 and building probably started and was completed in that year.

The Workhouse Treat

St Albans Museums

   It is apparent that the Churchwardens felt it more ‘transparent’ to sell on the relatively open market and it was conveyed (15 Oct 1836) to a Mrs Elizabeth Crowther. In her name, considerable modifications were carried out, including cutting the (present) gateway. On 17 Jan 1837 the building was sold to J H Rumball, Elizabeth’s nephew and a prominent vestry member. Although a legal transaction, the route of conveyance avoided any hint of conflict of interest in the first case! J H Rumball was also an estate agent.

   Details of the administration, inmates, diet, work etc. of St Peter's workhouse are given in the following link

http://www.workhouses.org.uk/index.html?StAlbans/StAlbans.shtml

   For details of the St Albans workhouses visit:

http://www.workhouses.org.uk/