I tend to agree with Gerald that the person is living in the workhouse, bit
working outside. This could be because they were using the labour exchanges
(1910) for obtaining work. Also, the Poor Law Board was disbanded in 1930
and control was handled over to borough and county councils, both would come
under 'the dates are first decades of the last century'. Are there no record
books for the Ripon Workhouse to see what has been written about the inmate.
I could not see the PLB allowing an inmate to charge taxi fares. If the
inmate is male could it be he is an outworker whose trade is cabinet maker -
just a wild guess. I have to admit I have looked through many workhouse
records (Southern England) and have not come across 'OW'.
-----Original Message-----
From: From: Local-History list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Peter Higginbotham
Sent: 27 March 2011 22:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: O.W.s?
A query passed on from Anthony Chadwick at Ripon Workhouse Museum.
Suggestions welcome!
Thanks
Peter Higginbotham
----------------
> A local lady has done some sterling work on the Ripon workhouse records.
> She cannot find out what the Letters O.W. stand for in columns of items
of
outdoor relief. She also finds O.W. Cab but is not happy to guess that this
might be payment for a taxi.
> The dates are first decades of the last century.
>
> Have you encountered O.Ws ?
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