Oral history recording of Arthur Halliday
Speaking about Ponteland Workhouse, rec. 1978

Arthur Halliday (b.1907) grew up in Ponteland workhouse. His father, an ex-policeman became master of the workhouse in 1898 and held that position until his death in 1926. His mother was the workhouse nurse. Arthur reminisces about inmates, living conditions, and his personal experiences during the years 1912-1930.

In 1834 the Poor Law Amendment Act led to the introduction of the union workhouse. Workhouse conditions and treatment of paupers were rumoured to be diabolical in order to act as a deterrent. This recording highlights an important insight into progression and change as Arthur talks about his parent’s appointments as a positive step as they were young and had ‘modern’ ideas. The aim was to dispel the myth of the dreaded institution and place the emphasis upon rehabilitation and self respect. The recording reveals an interesting array of facts and stories. During WWII the workhouse was transformed into an emergency hospital. Church services were held every Sunday night and ministers came from surrounding parish churches to visit their flock. On arrival at the workhouse paupers were thoroughly searched. One surprising search was for concealed gunpowder. If discovered this was quickly removed as sniffing it was a favoured past time.