The Hospital Under Investigations.

St Pancras Workhouse, This Photo Was Taken Around The Same Time Rotherham Workhouse was under investigation mainly into the conduct of the governor and matron. Reported in the Sheffield and Rotherham Independent on the 5th March 1853

Elizabeth Robinson, a patient in the hospital, complained that she had not had enough food. She weighed the food at the hospital on one occasion; there was four ounces of meat when there ought to have been five. When she complained to Mr. Bywater the governor she reported he was so violent that she thought he must be intoxicated. Other paupers throughout the workhouse also complain about the amount of food they received especially the ones expected to do heavy work. Dr. Hardwick who had been a medical officer for the past two years reported in the same paper where the paupers diet was insufficient for the work they were asked to do, and that tobacco was a great medical relief.

Mr. Stones, (another patient) reported that the medical officer ordered him to sit out in the open air when it was fine, but not to walk around. The same day Mr. Bywater came and gave him leave to work in the field against Dr. Hardwicks advice. A few weeks later Mr. Bywater saw him the field and told him he had no business being there. On explaining why he was working in the field Mr. Bywater called him a lying scoundrel. Witness confirmed that Mr. Bywater then took him by the collar and shook him violently injuring his lame foot before dragging him to the workhouse door. Mr. Whitfield, Mr. Bywaters solicitor acting in defense said on seeing the evidence contained such a serious implication, and which could have been easily explained, it was much to be regretted that the matter was not brought formally before the board of guardians before going in front of the Poor Law Board.
Dr. Hardwick said, he had no complaint against the master or matron; he could only speak too highly of their kindness and attention. Mr. Stone had made a complaint to him, but said nothing about his foot being injured. He Spoke to Mr. Bywater, who gave him a satisfactory explanation. Mr. Aldred said, out of consideration to Mr. Bywater the committee did not think it proper that the charge should go before the world until it was known whether an investigation would follow.
All the evidence without comment was sent to Earl Fitzwilliam and the Earl of Effingham, who were in London. These Rotherham noblemen were waiting upon the action the Poor Law Board would take against Mr. Bywater and Rotherham's workhouse. It was agreed by all parties that Mr. Farnall, a Poor Law Inspector, would make a visit to Rotherham and report on his findings. Some of Mr. Farnalls reports can also be found in The Workhouses First Paid Nurse

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