The minutes of the meeting of the Guardians of the Ongar Union are held at the Essex Record Office at Chelmsford. They commence in 1836 and continue to 1930, when the Workhouse was closed. They are not a complete record, but offer an interesting insight into the workings of the workhouse. There were also numerous reports in the local papers regarding events at the workhouse.
Just some examples of what is recorded.
17th January 1837
It was ordered that William Hall, a pauper in the High Ongar workhouse be dieted for 3 days with bread and water for absconding from the workhouse and returning in a state of intoxication.
18th April 1837
It was resolved that no person infected with any infectious or loathsome disease be admitted to the workhouse of this union.
6th June 1837
Resolved that certain families being paupers in the parish of Stanford Rivers and residing in several cottages belonging to Mr. Ray be forthwith vaccinated by Messrs Potter, Medical Officers at the expense of the Union in consequence of some of the inmates of such cottages having caught the smallpox.
Proceedings against Edmund Blowes of Willingale Doe for failing to support his family.
From the Essex Standard 12th January 1838
James Eve, twenty-one day’s hard labour for a misdemeanour in Stanford Rivers workhouse.
From the Chelmsford Chronicle 26th February 1841
ONGAR UNION.
The Guardians are desirous of engaging competent Married Persons, not less than 30 nor more than 45 years age, as SCHOOLMASTER and SCHOOLMISTRESS at the Workhouse. The Salary of the former will be £24 and of the latter £16 per annum, with double rations (subject to the approval of the Poor Law Commissioners). The average weekly number children maintained in such Workhouse during the last year was 45.
The Schoolmaster will be required to teach the Boys in Reading and some useful Employment; to assist the Master receiving Goods and Provisions, and to attend the Workhouse during his occasional absence or illness; and the Schoolmistress will be required to teach the Girls Reading and making their Apparel, and generally to assist the Matron in the performance of her duties.—Testimonials of Character and Ability must be sent (postage paid) to me, previous to 9th March, and Candidates must attend the Board on TUESDAY, 16th March, at One o'Clock, at the Town Hall, in this Town.
By Order of the Board,
W. BAKER, Clerk.
Chipping Ongar, 24th Feb. 1841.
From the Essex Standard 14th April 1843
Ongar Union. — On the 21st ult a numerous party of gentlemen assembled at a dinner given at the King's Head Inn, Ongar, to Capel Cure, Esq., and Mr. Horner, of Fyfield Hall, in acknowledgment of their valuable services as chairman and deputy-chairman of the Ongar Board of Guardians. W. Bowyer Smyth, Esq., presided on the occasion.
15th September 1846
One of the old men to be placed with the idiot child of George Franks, to attend on him constantly.
16th March 1847
Alteration to the able-bodied men’s’ dietaries.
6oz of suet pudding in place of 12oz of potatoes.
1/2 lb rice pudding for 16oz of potatoes.
Soup or broth with rice in place of same with potatoes.
Other categories dietaries pro rata.
To be adopted at such time as potatoes are not supplied for the use of the workhouse.
From the Essex Standard, 18th June 1847
Henry Andrews and John Wilkins, each one month’s hard labour, for destroying their clothes at the Ongar Union.
21st March 1848
Ann Turner, nurse for the past eight years is unable to read written directions upon medicines. She is being helped by the Master and Matron – allowed to continue as the nurse.
14th October 1853
ONGAR PETTY SESSION
Ann Baker, of Fyfield, widow, was charged with having deserted her two children on the 9th ult., and left them chargeable to the Ongar Union. — Defendant refused either to take the children out of the house or to go into the house herself; and as she appeared to be quite willing to spend a little of her time in gaol: the Bench committed her for six weeks.
From the Hertford Mercury and Reformer 18 December 1858
CHESHUNT PETTY SESSIONS
The relieving officer of this parish applied for an order to remove Ann Surridge, a woman with four illegitimate children and another child from Edmonton to Ongar Union. It appeared that Surridge has been living with a man named Yardley, formerly of Stortford, afterwards of Hertford, and that they came into this place as man and wife, with one child by a former wife. Being afterwards reduced in circumstances the woman received out-door relief for me time, but the relieving officer having reason to think they were not married, he ascertained such was the case, the man being in prison for debt, the woman and the five children wero removed to Edmonton Union. — The order was granted by the Magistrates, but suspended for the present, she being too ill to be removed, and on the eve of being confined with her fifth illegitimate child.
From the Essex Standard 15th August 1862
Ongar Union School Treat. — Through the liberality of J. F. Wright, Esq., of Kelvedon Hall, Sir C. C. Smith, Bart., of Suttons, W. C. Gellibrand, Esq., of Albyn's, and other kind friends, the children of the Ongar Union, upwards of 50 in number, had their annual treat, on Monday, the 4th inst., when they were conveyed by the excursion train to Harwich. The weather was delightfully fine, and after amusing themselves for some hours on the beach they partook of tea, cake, and biscuits. Highly pleased with their trip they returned home quite safely. Many thanks are due to the Rev. F. A. S, Fane, of Priors, the Chairman of the Union, who kindly exerted himself in arranging for the treat.
Herts and Essex Observer 10th January 1863
Sir C. C. SMITH, Bart., has kindly presented to the boys of the Ongar Union a gymnastic swing complete. The eagerness with which they avail themselves of the recreation it affords proves that they thoroughly appreciate the gift of the noble donor. Mr. Low, the master of this union, to commemorate the event, decided upon giving the children a treat, which he did on New Year's Day in good style at his own expense. By the aid of the magic lantern and a few friends the evening's amusement from beginning to end were never allowed to flag. It was a pleasing sight to witness with what delight and uncontrollable hilarity these poor little orphans enjoyed the treat. Cake and wine were supplied to each before retiring to rest.
From the Chelmsford Chronicle 9th October 1863
ONGAR.
Union Picnic. — On Saturday last all the school children of the union were invited Sir C. C. Smith, Bart., to spend the day at his mansion and grounds, and it hardly necessary to say how joyfully the kind invitation was accepted. Between 40 and 50 boys and girls, with the master and schoolmistress, arrived at Suttons between one and two o'clock. The morning was anything but pleasant, but, although the rain kept falling, it did not damp their spirits. On their arrival each child was supplied with a mug of prime soup, and the afternoon proving fine they entered upon their frolics in good earnest. Sir Charles and Lady Smith were among them and gave them free permission to do as they liked and go where they pleased. Of this liberty they freely availed themselves, each one imagining himself for the time a modern Robinson Crusoe, monarch of all he surveyed. Fruit, &c, were given them in abundance, and an excellent tea was provided, including apple tarts, bread and butter, tea, &c, to which they did ample justice. They then returned to their home most grateful for the treat, and their kind master, Mr. Low, expressed himself well satisfied with their behaviour.
From the Chelmsford Chronicle 14th September 1877
Ongar Petty Sessions
Neglecting his Wife and Family.— Jonathan Oddy, labourer, High Ongar, was charged with deserting his wife and six children, and leaving them chargeable to the common fund of the Ongar Union.— Herbert Holsey, relieving officer, said that on the 21st of August defendant's wife applied to the guardians for relief, and on the 23rd he relieved them; on the 25th he called, found defendant home, and asked him why he did not supply his family with necessaries, but he gave no reason; on the 27th he absconded, and his wife and family had been, and were still, chargeable. Defendant said he could not get any work, and in reply to the bench, added that Mr. Lambert discharged him because he was unwell and could not go to work. —
Two prior convictions for felony and one for deserting his wife were proved against him, and he was sentenced 21 days' hard labour.
