Fulham Hammersmith Workhouses
The first stone of this new workhouse for the Fulham Union was laid by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of London, on Monday, in the presence of the members of the present Board of Guardians of the Union, and those of the past year, and the leading and other inhabitants of both parishes, to the numbar of about 800 persons, a large portion of whom were ladies. The site is a plot of ground five acres in extent, on the side of the high road leading from Hammersmith Church to Fulham, and close to where stood Brandenburgh House, once the residence of Caroline, Queen Consort of George IV.
The Workhouse, the infirmary and receiving-houses of which are already erected, is to contain 450 inmates. The style of the building is Italian, of red brick, with stone door and window dressings. The plan includes spacious yards for each class of inmates, and play-grounds for boys and girls; besides a chapel. The main building, which is 150 feet from the road, is approached through an archway, over which is the Board Room; and on either side is accommodation for relieving officers, porters, &c. Mr. Alfred Gilbert, architect, has furnished the design; and Mr. John Glenn, of Islington, is the builder. At the foundation ceremony, on Monday, the Bishop of London, on his ar rival, was received by the chairman, architect, &c., and a procession composed of the children of the union, the parish authorities, clergy, &c. being formed, his Lordship at once proceeded to lay the stone. During the ceremony, the children sang a hymn composed for the occasion; and, at the close, the National Anthem was sung, and heartily joined in by the Bishop and the numerous company assembled.At five o'clock, the guardians, past and present, with the principal inhabitants of both parishes, to the number of nearly 70, dined together at the Albion Hall, Hammersmith, to celebrate the event; John Gunter, Esq., of Fulham, in the chair. The convivialities of the evening were kept up to a late hour.
