Former Workhouse, Shaw Heath, Stockport, Greater Manchester
This building was originally part of the Stockport Union Workhouse. It was built in 1841-2. It was designed by Henry Bowman who was also responsible for the Congleton workhouse. It was intended to accommodate 690 inmates. Soon after its opening there was a widespread manufacturing slump in the area. In August 1842 is was the subject of an attack by a mob of unemployed workers. In 1894, the British Medical Journal set up a "commission" to investigate conditions in provincial workhouses and their infirmaries. On their visit to Stockport, the commission found that due to a trade depression, inmates in the workhouse were "packed like sardines in a tin." Many wards were so crowded as to present a serious danger in the case of fire. Former school rooms had been pressed into service as wards for the old and infirm. The workhouse staff, though, were praised for their energy and for doing their utmost for the inmates under most discouraging circumstances. The workhouse later became Shaw Heath Hospital, then from 1954 was known as St Thomas' Hospital. The hospital finally closed in 2004.
