Hadleigh used its former guild hall as a workhouse for its own deserved poor from the 1570s until the demise of these parish workhouses following the 1834 Act.
This volume tells the story of those years with particular emphasis on the men who ran the establishment
After a detailed account of the first few decades, and the identity of the early governors of the house; the 17th century is summarised [through a lack of surviving records]. As we move into the second half of the 18th century more material is available. Full detail is included of a contract of new governor Robert Tyler, together with a full inventory of the contents of the house at the time.
Another major find we learn of is a set of the rules and regulations of Hadleigh workhouse. This states that ½ hour was allowed for breakfast, an hour for dinner and ½ hour for supper, which was taken at seven.
The book finishes with the sale of the goods and chattles of the workhouse, which included the materials and equipment used in the sack manufactory carried out in the house.

entitled
CHIEF INHABITANTS and VESTRIES
(can be used as a supplement to the best seller AT THE OVERSEERS DOOR)

CHIEF INHABITANTS and VESTRIES is another self-publication. It retails at £4.95, and can be purchased from The Idler at The High Street, Hadleigh or direct from 112 St Mary’s Close, Trimley St Mary, Felixstowe, Suffolk. IP11 0TY. Please add £2 towards post & package.