There were strict rules governing those who entered the workhouse. It was forbidden to leave the workhouse without the consent of the ??????
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.
