gaols workhouses and hospitals

© P.E. Blanche 1999

HERNE WORKHOUSE

The old workhouse at Herne is being renovated and improved to form a small residential estate on the edge of the Village of Herne. The pictures on this site show the buildings while the work is being carried out. Originally, this institution provided its services for the registration distrcit of Blean.

When "inmates" of one workhouse moved from one institution to another, they were given what was known as a "twist" of tea. This could be used on the journey, usually made on foot, as a refreshment. However, you can't make tea without hot water and many of these transients became familiar with the houses on their routes that would provide this commodity for them. My Mother, who once lived in Sturry High Street , on the route between Canterbury and Herne, can remember the time when these people would knock on their door and her Mother would provide the necessary hot water.

Herne Workhouse was one of those buildings that "blended" into the National Health Service in that it became (perhaps not politically correct these days) a geriatric centre for the care of older individuals.

Front View with Quadrangle under renovation
in the background
© P.E. Blanche 1999