Activities and questions for students of history to help understand the context of these records.
Town Poorhouse or Relief
Tewksbury Almshouse Records (UMASS Lowell)
The History of the Poorhouse (Sarah K. Allen, BHS class of 1997)
The Workhouse Keeper
Using the The Overseers Finances, 1738-1769 chapter, in what years was Joseph Lasenby listed as the Workhouse keeper? Use this chart.
2. Part of Lasenby’s job description mentions “maintaining the distracted and the sick” persons. What is meant by “distracted and sick”?