In May 1836 the Guardians decided to maintain three workhouses in the Union, namely Stanford Rivers which was for the able bodied male and female; High Ongar for the aged and infirm and Chipping Ongar for the children of paupers.
The following appear in the minutes of the Guardians for 1837.
17 January:
Moved: “That William Halls and inmate of the High Ongar Workhouse be dieted on bread and water only during the week ensuing for having made use of profane language everyday during the last week.”
Carried unanimously.
31 January:
Ordered that William Halls, a pauper in High Ongar Workhouse be dieted for 3 days with bread and water for absconding from the workhouse and returning in a state of intoxication.
11 April:
Mr Palmer, the Relieving Officer be empowered to hire a room, or rooms for the reception of the children of George Perry, belonging to the parish of Willingale Doe, they being inflicted with scald head and that the overseers be directed to take measures for compelling the father to contribute to the support of the said children.
18 April:
Resolved that no person infected with any infectious or loathsome disease be admitted to the workhouses of this Union.
9 May:
Resolved that the children of George Perry, paupers belonging to Willingale Doe and now inmates of the Stanford Rivers workhouse be discharged thereupon and that such children be removed to the custody and care of Mrs Hartgrove of Willingale Doe for the cure of scald head and that ½ peck of flour for each child and 3/- per week for all the children until the recovery be allowed as out-relief.
This disease, frequently called "Ringworm of the Scalp" occurring principally among children, is highly contagious. It is often communicated, by means of the comb and brush, or the towel. It frequently appears on other parts of the body. The affected parts become red, hot, painful, and elevated, accompanied with swelling of .the glands of the neck and head. After a few days, small round pustules start up, gradually filling with a yellowish white, thick fluid, smelling badly on being discharged. As the pustules break, the hairs become glued together, and in a short time, scaly, thick and hard crusts are formed. Frequently the roots of the hair are entirely destroyed. Violent external treatment may, by driving the disease in, occasion serious disorders, which not infrequently terminate in death. Want of cleanliness, keeping the head too warm, scrofulous disposition, coarse and indigestible food, close and filthy dwellings, and contagion, are among the numerous causes.