| Description | Similarly to the Erdington and Selly Oak House sub-committees (see GP B/2/3/17 and GP B/2/3/19, below), the Western Road House sub-committee reported to the House committee, was formed in 1912, and was responsible for administering the workhouse in this area of the union. Built in the late 1840s by the Birmingham Guardians, the institution opened in 1852, and was originally known as Birmingham workhouse. It became known as Western Road House in 1912, at which point it had ceased to be considered as a workhouse, but was rather a Poor Law institution accommodating elderly and infirm paupers. In 1948, the building became Summerfield Hospital.
The minutes contain details on all aspects of the administration of Western Road House, including the building's internal fixtures and fittings, the appointment of workhouse staff, and details on individual inmates. The volumes are indexed. |