Absconding from the workhouse

There were strict rules governing those who entered the workhouse. It was forbidden to leave the workhouse without the consent of the guardians or officials. Cases of ‘inmates’ absconding were usually brought before the Magherafelt Petty Sessions. John McWey was one such man who ‘absconded’ from the workhouse after ten days in 1850. A sixty-five-year-old weaver from Bellaghy, perhaps he thought his chances outside were better or he had recovered from illness. Mary Jane McLesson, aged twelve also absconded in August 1850 after three weeks in the workhouse deciding that her changes fared better outside. And throughout the 19^th and early 20^th century there were cases brought before the petty session particularly where ‘inmates’ left with workhouse clothing and other artefacts. This fate befell the ‘inmate’ Patrick McKenna in 1911 when he absconded from the workhouse with a ‘suit of clothes, boots and shirt’ belonging to the union and leaving two children behind him. Some were luckier and evaded detection such as Daniel McLaughlin who went ‘over the wall’ in 1902 and could not be located.