Known as inmates, the individuals residing at the house were often not there by choice. Admittance to the House of Industry was the last resort for families and individuals. Inmates could only be brought into the house by the town Reeve and could only leave the house if they provided proof they were able to support themselves outside of the House.

 

They would use the front door of the building only once - when they were being admitted. Other than that, they were required to use the back doors. Like the rest of the house, these doors were divided based on gender. Men and women were kept separately in the building despite their marital status. 

 

Because the House of Industry was considered a last resort for many individuals, it was often believed to be a poor place to live. Many modern visitors still understand the House to have been a place of misery, which was the case for some of the inmates. For others the House was where they called home and were not unhappy being there. Explore stories of individuals associated with the House by clicking below.