Naturally, these had to be funded by the parishioners, and it was a frequent practice for several parishes to support a single workhouse. So the practice grew that the inmates of the workhouse did work that was sold or charged for by users—most commonly laundry services—to defray the costs of feeding and housing them. Enter once more that human vice, the belief that anyone receiving charity is abusing it, and should be made to earn it.
While many workhouses were well managed and run, many weren’t, and the inmates were treated appallingly. Add in a mix of corrupt staff with heartless belief that your misfortune in being forced to enter the workhouse was a punishment from God, and you soon discover the reasons why many in Britain, even today, would rather starve than receive charity.
For c
