Early 20th century workhouse, Poplar Labour Colony, Sumpner's Farm, Dunton (EHER 80958)

Poplar Labour Colony was established by the Poplar Poor Law Union at Sumpner's Farm, Dunton in 1904.

NRHE data transfer: Poplar Labour Colony was established by the Poplar Poor Law Union at Sumpner's Farm, Dunton in 1904. Through a scheme known as the modified workhouse test, unemployed men were admitted as inmates to the workhouse whilst their families were given out-relief. The Poplar Colony was introduced to provide more productive activities (farm work instead of stone breaking for example) to the labour test and to encourage self-sufficiency. The farm was funded during its first 3 years by Joseph Fels, an American philanthropist. It could accommodate 100 inmates in corrugated-iron buildings. The scheme was successful at first. However it soon became apparent that 100 men was far too high a number to cultivate a 200 acre farm, which led to bad discipline among inmates. The labour scheme ended in 1912 however the farm continued to accommodate inmates. In 1930 control passed to the London County Council. It was renamed Dunton farm and used to accommodate 150 older inmates who were trained in a greater variety of agricultural work than in previous years. The Poor Laws were repealed in 1948, which was when the colony probably ended. There is now a caravan park on the site. <1> - <4>