The Risbridge Union workhouse at that time was in Haverhill, having been enlarged from a parish workhouse following the formation of union in1836
Risbridge, Suffolk Up to 1834 A parish workhouse existed at Haverhill which was later used as the Cosford Union workhouse.
After 1834 Risbridge Poor Law Union was formed on 3rd November 1835. Its operation was overseen by an elected Board of Guardians, 28 in number, representing its 26 constituent parishes as listed below (figures in brackets indicate numbers of Guardians if more than one):
County of Suffolk arnardiston, Great Bradley, Little Bradley, Clare (2), Cowling, Denerdiston or Denston, Haverhill (2), Hundon, Kedington, Poslingford with Chipley, Stansfield, Stoke by Clare, Stradishall, Great Thurlow, Little Thurlow, Whixoe, Wickhambrook, Withersfield, Great Wratting, Little Wratting.
County of Essex: Ashen Birdbrook, Helion's Bumpstead, Ovington, Steeple Bumpstead, Sturmer.
The population falling within the Union at the 1831 census had been 16,192 - ranging from Little Bradley (population 22) to Haverhill (1,758). The average annual poor-rate expenditure for the period 1833-35 had been £14,315 or 17s.8d. per head of the population.
In 1836, the new Risbridge Union took over the existing parish workhouse at Haverhill and the sum of £800 was spent on its enlargement.
In 1856, a new building was erected at Kedington to designs by JF Clark. It was extended in 1900 with the addition of a new male block and kitchen. The workhouse location and layout are shown on the 1920s' OS map below, by which time the workhouse was officially known as Risbridge Poor Law Institution.
Risbridge workhouse site
Risbridge entrance block from the south-east, 1980s.
A housing estate and geriatric care home now occupy the former workhouse site.