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Cuckfield Connections
A personal journey of discovery





1836-37: Snow forces workers into workhouse
The new Workhouse system was being reviewed and brought into question by quoting a situation that arose in the Cuckfield and Andover...
Nov 5, 20222 min read
61 views

1883: Career opportunity at Cuckfield Workhouse?
THE MID-SUSSEX TIMES—TUESDAY, MARCH 20,. 1883. CUCKFIELD UNION. SERVANT WANTED. WANTED, a SERVANT for the Infirmary of the Workhouse at...
Sep 7, 20221 min read
132 views


1914: Cuckfield's tramps' nursery
Inmates prefer stone-pounding to oakum picking Is stone-pounding a useless and senseless task? A magistrate at the Haywards Heath Bench...
May 17, 20223 min read
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Life and rather hard times at the Cuckfield Workhouse
The Mid Sussex Times archive of 1914 carried many reports of workhouse inmates being taken to court for failing to finish the tasks set...
May 9, 20223 min read
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1914: Tried for non completion of Workhouse tasks
The Workhouse often housed tramps and the sick, especially in the winter. They were be given a bed and food in exchange for tedious tasks...
May 7, 20223 min read
142 views

2018: Reflections on Cuckfield Workhouse
Life and rather hard times at the Cuckfield Workhouse The Sussex Express Wednesday, 9th May 2018 The Mid Sussex Times archive of 1914...
Mar 10, 20223 min read
197 views


1881: 'Nice sort of husband and father'
A NICE SORT OF HUSBAND AND FATHER - Joseph Mansbridge, butcher, late of Cuckfield but now described as of Portslade, was charged with...
Feb 9, 20222 min read
124 views


1909: Granny prefers smoking a pipe to tea
The heart’s desire of the old lady of eighty-five, ‘Granny’ Shepherd, who is an inmate of Cuckfield workhouse (England), has been...
Jan 21, 20221 min read
36 views


1864: Smallpox death - workhouse accused
Alleged suspicious death of a boy A correspondent wishes to contradict a rumour which has been circulated respecting the poor boy John...
Dec 30, 20212 min read
150 views


1905: Christmas party for the Workhouse Inmates
The Workhouse Inmates had a fine time of it on Boxing Day, thanks to the liberality of the Guardians and friends and also to the labours...
Dec 26, 20212 min read
135 views


1867: Heartless
Sussex Advertiser - Saturday 11 May 1867 CUCKFIELD MAGISTERIAL BUSINESS. A heartless fellow. On Wednesday a man passing by the name of...
Dec 21, 20213 min read
144 views

1907: 83 weds 32 - Pastor and Nurse
Evening Express 2nd January 1907 Old fashioned Cuckfield was agog with excitement yesterday, when the Reverend Robert Martin, the Baptist...
Dec 9, 20212 min read
120 views

1904: Cuckfield ratepayers' 'grim humour'
Northern Daily Telegraph - Monday 14 March 1904 Rural ratepayers in Sussex seem to possess certain grim humour. During recent parish...
Nov 25, 20211 min read
127 views


1847: Paupers to be catered for
To Builders. Cuckfield Union. The Board of Guardians are desirous to receive Tenders for the immediate erection, at the Union Workhouse...
Sep 13, 20211 min read
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1835: Outrage over hypocrisy in Cuckfield poor house administration
The New Poor Law of 1834 aimed to provide relief for the poorest members of society. It was introduced to reform a system that had been...
Jan 27, 20214 min read
80 views


1879: Deserted wife and family obliged to seek sanctuary at the Workhouse
West Sussex County Times - Saturday 29 November 1879 WIFE DESERTION. -At the Cuckfield police court, on Thursday, before Captain...
Jan 25, 20211 min read
110 views


1835: Cuckfield Workhouse inmates on near-starvation rations
Brighton Patriot - Tuesday 20 October 1835 CUCKFIELD EDUCATION AND DIET - when we deliberate about the means of introducing intellectual...
Jan 6, 20213 min read
109 views


1886: Sing song at the workhouse on New Year's Eve
New Year's Entertainment at the Workhouse.On Monday the inmates of the Cuckfield Union Workhouse had their New Year's treat, which...
Dec 31, 20202 min read
67 views


1935: Many hours of willing labour ensure 280 of the poorest in Mid Sussex enjoy a good Christmas
Mid Sussex Times - Tuesday 01 January 1935 CHRISTMAS IN THE CUCKFIELD INSTITUTION. HOMELY FESTIVITIES ENJOYED BY ALL. The thoughts of...
Dec 25, 20204 min read
111 views


1845: The Cuckfield Workhouse and Christmas
When we think of the connotations of the word ‘workhouse’ we might recall the film Oliver and the grim prison environment and surly staff...
Dec 3, 20203 min read
238 views
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