Cambridge Union Workhouse

Situated in Mill Road and built in 1838 it was designed by John Smith a local architect. In the early 1930's it was the Cambridge Infirmary and later the only maternitiy hospital where three of my children were born. It is now Ditchburn Place retirement home.  In 1881 there were 272 paupers living in the workhouse. Before they were destitute, some of their occupations were scholars, gardeners, labourers, bonnet makers, nurses, shoemakers, corset makers, bookbinders and sadly, ex soldiers. The boys and girls schoolrooms were either side of the main entrance and all male and female inmates were separated. Also imbeciles were admitted. I was in the vicinity today to get my security keys cut. In the city the price was £27- 50p for one key. Today in Mill road the price was £10- 50p each. A lot of difference !