By Victoria Evans, Searchroom Archivist
The usual images that come to mind when thinking of workhouses will resemble that of Oliver Twist, and rightly so. The conditions for those who relied upon the unions would have been implacable, degrading, and cruel at most times. However, it is worth saying that workhouses did save lives.
In the spirit of spreading warmth and cheer to all at Christmas time, workhouses would decorate their rooms, music was played, hot food was served, and gifts were shared amongst the inmates. On Christmas Day in 1908, Chichester Workhouse partook in these celebrations and a palpable buzz must have been felt amongst everyone. Looking specifically to an article from the 30th of December edition of the Chichester Observer, we can get a real sense of what a workhouse Christmas would be like.
Setting the scene, it would have been a bitterly cold winter and snow would have been likely. But inside the walls of the workhouse, which was located on Broyle Road, it would have been warm from blazing fireplaces and the hearty smell of cooked meats would have been carried on the air from the kitchens. With the inmates and staff gathered in the dining hall, it had been decorated with “evergreens, coloured rosettes and paper chains” further sparking festive joy.
The hot Christmas dinner for seventy inmates was served at one o’clock and it was not the usual affair of gruel or stewed mutton. Rather it was made up of “roast beef, roast pork, roast and boiled potatoes, carrots, parsnips and Yorkshire pudding.” And of course, no Christmas dinner is complete without a Christmas pudding! Beer was also served to the inmates which was quite a special treat. Looking to the Board of Guardians minute book that covers Jun 1908-Mar 1910, you can see how the dinner was thoroughly planned for.
After dinner had been enjoyed and savoured, toasts were made to the Chairman, the Master and Matron, the guardians, and the staff. The tables were then cleared and tobacco, oranges and nuts were shared out to all as they continued to enjoy each other’s company. An evening concert was also arranged for the inmates to enjoy and once again looking at the minute book, a piano and pianist was hired for this occasion. I’m sure that this was a Christmas to remember for all.
From all of us at the Record Office we wish all who celebrate a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! 🎅🎄
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West Sussex Record Office 
Another great article Vicky. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to all the search room staff and see you in 2025.
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Great article its really informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. it was really valuable. thanks a lot.
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