ndover Workhouse, where it was reported that half-starved inmates were found eating the rotting flesh from bones. Such was the outcry that an enquiry was set up and witnesses were interviewed to ascertain the facts. This case received enormous publicity and revealed the shocking treatment of the inmates. The Andover Workhouse Scandal. (1845-6)The Andover scandal of 1845-6 highlighted the hardship of the workhouse regime. McDougal, the Master of the Andover workhouse, had a reputation for inhumanity; rumours of excess cruelty eventually led to a public enquiry. Bone crushing was a normal occupation for paupers. The bones of horses, dogs and other animals (and there were hints that some from local graveyards) were crushed for fertiliser for local farms. The paupers were so hungry that they scrambled for the rotting bones. Bone-crushing became the focus of a case which was reported extensively by The Times and was followed avidly by the public. Edwin Chadwick emerged particularly well and reached the height of his prestige and power at this time. Andover was only the most notorious example of workhouse cruelty. There were several other major scandals and incidents, all recorded by the press in minute detail.5This is reinforced by the evidence of Charles Lewis, a labourer to the Select Committee on the Andover Union.69828(Mr Wakley) What work were you employed about when you were in the workhouse?I was employed breaking bones.9829Were other men engaged in the same work?Yes9830Was that the only employment you had? That was the only employment I had at the time I was there9831Was the smell very bad? Very bad9832Did it appear to affect your health? It did a great deal mine, and appeared to affect the others9833How many men were so employed? Whether it was nine or ten boxes round the room, I don't recollect.9834Was it a close room or shed? It was a very close room9835How did you break them? We had a large iron bar to break them with9836Somet...
