Lincolnshire, Workhouse Guardians' Minutes - Spilsby Union

About these records

Spilsby Poor Law Union is made up of 68 parishes. All entries containing references to named paupers are included in this recordset. The transcription has been arranged to resemble the original minute books as closely as possible.

There are a large number of short entries in the first two books (Spilsby Union Workhouse Minutes 1837-1845), but also some longer pieces that give fascinating information about the paupers. The Banns of Marriage, read by the Clerk to the Union who was also the Superintendent Registrar of the Spilsby Registration District, include the place of residence and condition of the couple mentioned. Most of these marriages would have taken place in non-conformist churches or the Spilsby Registrar’s Office. 

In the  third minute book (Spilsby Union Workhouse Minutes 1845-1851) several emigration cases are mentioned, together with the Marriage Notices, read by the Clerk to the Union who was also the Superintendent Registrar of the Spilsby Registration District, that include the place of residence and condition of the couple. Most of these marriages would have taken place in non-conformist churches or the Spilsby Registrar’s Office. 

Marriage Notices continue to appear until 1856, mainly for non-conformist marriages. Many names of relatives who are being asked to contribute towards a pauper’s maintenance, some with addresses, appear in these minutes, and the arrangements for several apprenticeships will be found. 

In the series covering Spilsby Union Workhouse Minutes 1864-1872, 1876-1891, one minute book is missing from the series. Book 8 finishes on the 22nd February 1872 and book 9 begins on the 13th April 1876.