This greatly extended reissue of the award-winning first edition takes you inside the "Pauper Palaces" of Christchurch, filled with the local destitute: the workless, work shy, tramps, aged and orphans, sick and "lunatics".

The "Social Services" of the 18th to 20th centuries are revealed and explored in detail, with nearly 100 illustrations.

The story of the Red House Museum , the original workhouse for the Christchurch area, and the new workhouse which became Christchurch Hospital . Contains much local information about social history, particularly the area's industries and the treatment of the poor.