Interview
1003, LO/358/309
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection
Speaker: Carter, Harry Raymond, 1915 - , Interviewee, Male, Clerk
Speaker: Kirrane, S, Interviewer, Female
Summary of interview item: Talks about upbringing in, and workings of, Mountsorrel Workhouse, Leicestershire, where parents were Master and Matron. Describes workhouse building, inmates' work, staff, dormitories, uniforms, admissions process, processing of tramps who moved between workhouses. Mention of the 'mental defectives' ward, Board of Guardians, facilities for children, social life, communications system of talking through pipes. Briefly mentions effects of means test. Remembers being ribbed at school, parents entertaining, good food. Mentions names of a few inmates. Recalls joining father's office from school; describes work, first telephone, gas mantles, concerts. Explains change of control to County Council made little difference other than change of name to 'Public Assistance Institution'. Briefly recalls cockroaches, coming of radio, moving on to Bosworth Park Infirmary in 1936.
Place of birth: Mountsorrel
Education: Miss Jenk's School, Loughborough Grammar School
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Workhouse Master
Mother's Occupation: Workhouse Matron
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Mountsorrel
Periods Covered: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s
Language: English
Recording Date: 23/3/1987
Playing time: 1 hr
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:
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