Site of Alcester Union Workhouse, Kinwarton Road, Alcester

Description of this historic site

The Alcester Union workhouse was built in 1837 at site to the east of Alcester on the south side of Kinwarton Road. It followed the popular cruciform or "square" layout. A small infirmary block was added at the east of the site, and was extended southwards in 1879. The former workhouse later became Alcester Hospital, and the later infirmary block is still in use. The main buildings, now known as Oversley House, were converted to residential use in 1984.

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Notes about this historic site

1 Alcester Poor Law Union was formed on 31st May 1836. The Alcester Union workhouse was built in 1837 at site to the east of Alcester on the south side of Kinwarton Road. It followed the popular cruciform or “square” layout with an entrance block at the front, behind which lay the four accommodation wings radiating from a central hub, creating four yards for the different classes of pauper (male/female, old/young).
The entrance block, which housed the Guardians’ board-room, clerk’s office, etc., was ashlar-faced, the stone having as the prominent inscription proclaims been given by Sir Charles Throckmorton Bart. A small infirmary block was added at the east of the site, and was extended southwards in 1879. The former workhouse later became Alcester Hospital, and the later infirmary block is still in use. The main buildings, now known as Oversley House, were converted to residential use in 1984.
2 Cruciform workhouse and adjunct chapel marked on 2nd edition OS map, with site of infirmary to the rear.