Life back in 1876

We celebrated our 150th anniversary last week and to add some context to the celebration, we visited the Ripon Workhouse and focused on what life was like back in 1876.

We first visited the Court House to experience how harsh laws were for those who were poor and found themselves in difficult times. We role-played the real case of a boy who had stolen bread

First we met the court staff, the magistrate, clerk, usher and police officier

Then we met the accused, with the police officer. Spare the rod and spoil the child was the officer's motto.

The boy told us how he was starving hungry and stole it to feed his family.

The Jury took a dim view of the hearings

4 years hard labour in Australia ought to teach him - with no hope of getting back. That was the sentence awarded to the boy.

We also explored the Victorians take on posture, education, home chores, dining and many other areas.