Old Pictures of British Life

 From a Face Book group of that name



All we know of this couple is the inscription written in Welsh on the back of the photograph, it reads " Roland and Betsy Jones of Hen Hafod, Merioneth, in 1870. They entered the workhouse at Bala, but instead of separating them the Guardians permitted them to have a room to themselves".


The Workhouse was the last place of dwelling for the poor and indigent. Workhouses were often cruel and harsh.

Unusual and wonderful that they were given a room to share, and were not separated.

Is she holding a Bible?

Her costume is in line with what became a stereotypical norm for images of Welsh women.

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