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D1 Extension: Paupers bread to be the 'best seconds '

Board of Guardians Minute Book, 1836

The workhouse was managed by an elected Board of Guardians, rather like a school has a Board of Governors. We know some of the decisions they made because they kept minutes (notes) of their meetings. One of the 'minute books' is now in the care of the Devon Record Office. At this meeting they discussed what quality of bread to give to the people living in the workhouse. Here are the notes as recorded in the Minute Book of 1836:

Guardians

Colonel B Fulford, Captain J.W. Buller, General Thomas, Captain Toll

Moved by Mr B Fuller that the quality of Bread to be advertised be that called seconds.

Mr Gilbert recommended the quality of the bread, be they soldier, Best bread.

Moved as an amendment by Sit John Duckworth seconded by Mr Davy that the Bread be advertised for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd qualities. The amendment was carried.

At a General Meeting of the Guardians held at the Castle of Exeter on Friday 13th May.

Bread

The Tender for Bread being again read it was resolved that the quality of Bread be the best seconds.

Resolved. That it be an instruction to the committee to consider the Tender for Bread and report their opinion on Friday next.

The Bread committee was desired to report on their proceedings.

Resolved that the Report of the Committee be agreed to, and that contracts be immediately entered into for the supply of bread as recommended by the Committee.