Historical Poverty in Britain

Poverty in Britain.

This is a British family circa 1900. Source unknown.

Appears to be a family. They are picking oakum for the making of rope. That is hard on the hands, for sure. Picking oakum was a common practice among the inmates of the Parish workhouses all over England. Thus, this may have been an indigent family taken in and put to work to pay its way. Some famous people spent time in workhouses doing this, including Charlie Chaplin.

One of the boys is wearing socks and boots whilst the others are barefoot. Perhaps the barefoot boy was taken in as an orphan. One of them might have simply been visiting, but they all do bear a family resemblance.

The lad who is standing does not look very happy. No doubt, some of the boys wound up in the trenches during World War I.

Just a historical snapshot, make of it what you will.

2019