The Box is a major cultural and heritage attraction and archive, which opened in Plymouth’s city centre in September 2020. Its collection, formally the South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA), is the regional film archive for the South West of England, comprising the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and Television South West (TSW). It also includes a significant number of donated film collections dating back to the early 1890s.
This film is part of Free
Fred Chaulk and the Totnes Workhouse
Fred Chaulk remembers the Totnes workhouse of the 1920s
In partnership with:
Overview
TV reporter John Doyle interviews Fred Chaulk who grew up in the Totnes Workhouse. Fred describes living in the workhouse and how it was that when his father remarried two of his four children were sent to the workhouse. Workhouses were abolished on 1 April 1930.
Workhouses have existed in Totnes since 1738. Berey Pumerey had 40 inmates and Brixham up to 60 taking in the poorest. The workhouse in Totnes is built in 1837-8 on the south side of Plymouth Road. It cost six thousand pounds and could accommodate up to 380 paupers. The workhouse became a public assistance institution and Broomborough Hospital before being converted into private housing.
Related
Watch for free
Mexican Fiesta in Totnes Mexican Fiesta in Totnes
Current affairs 1966 2 mins Silent Location: Totnes
The Mexican Fiesta hits town and brings with it Aztec glory and sombreros!
Watch for free
A Trip to Totnes A Trip to Totnes
Current affairs 1970 5 mins Location: Totnes
The unique town of Totnes is described for viewers
Watch for free
Grazing Nuts Grazing Nuts
Current affairs 1962 1 mins Silent Location: Totnes
The Earl of Devon opens Grazing new animal feed mill in Totnes
Watch for free
Totnes Course for Dog Trainers Totnes Course for Dog Trainers
Current affairs 1963 1 mins Silent Location: Totnes
How to train your dog
Watch for free
Railways - Derelict and Preserved Railways - Derelict and Preserved
Amateur film 1975 33 mins Silent Location: Rainhill
Come and see Rocket 150, and visit a selection of railway locations, past and preserved.
Watch for free
Some of the Glories of Devon and Its Industries Some of the Glories of Devon and Its Industries
Industry sponsored film 1935 10 mins Location: Totnes
Beyond the glorious views, this Devon travelogue boasts a mouth-watering focus on the sweet industry.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.