This book gives a detailed account of the history of Bodmin Union Workhouse from its inception in 1834 to its closure in the late 1930s. It describes the conditions experienced by those less fortunate beings who crossed the workhouse threshold and the efforts made by the paid officials and elected members to relieve the burdens of poverty. The individuals concerned have passed on but some of the main buildings and gardens, now the residential properties known as Castle Hill Court, St Dominic Close and Berry Towers, have survived into the new millennium.