Lesson D1: Finding out about food then and now.

By Sue Carter and Gail Brown, Redhills Primary
Photo:Food. From Dr J. Blackall's medical report to the Earl of Devon, 6 May 1840
Photo:Dinnertime in the workhouse
Photo:A pauper complains
Photo:A pauper complains

Click on any extract or picture to open a larger view.

View, or print off, and discuss these extracts.

We do not know exactly what was eaten in the St Thomas workhouse but here are some sources with a few clues. The workhouse also had land stretching down to the river and inmates grew their own vegetables. Discuss these sources with your class. Click on any extract for a larger version. Print it using the print icon above the blue bar.

Minute books are another primary source but the language is more difficult. An extract from one of the St Thomas workhouse minute books is transcribed on the next page as an extension for gifted pupils.

Keep a food diary for a day

The links below opens a Word documents to use with the pupils. Ask them to keep a diary of everything they eat on one day. This could be a homework activity. You can print off copies to give out.

Sheet to list your own food for the day (23k)
Print and use this sheet to record your own food. (In the next lesson you compare it with a workhouse 'dietary'.)

This gallery was added by Sarah, Curator of West Exe on 03/06/2008.

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