Orders to be observed by the Poor in the Doncaster workhouse

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This non-fiction text is a genuine historical document dated pre-1834. It comprises the rules of the Doncaster workhouse and shows the weekly menu. It is useful for language analysis, in that it provides examples of the use of the imperative and contains formal/impersonal language and vocabulary of the 19th century.

Before reading

Elicit information about the Victorian period. Construct a mind map of important dates/themes.
Read Leaflet 1 and On-screen resource 2 which provide valuable background information about this period.
Watch clips from films set in Victorian times – eg, Oliver Twist.
Discuss the text layout. Identify the text type and its typical features – numbered points, formal language, tabular information.