| Summary : The Auckland Union Workhouse opened in 1855. It was extended in 1865. In 1877 an infirmary, mortuary, casual wards and a boardroom were added. Cottage homes were built in 1903. In 1909 a new infirmary was added. It was used as a military hospital during both the First and Second World Wars. During the Second World War the site was also used as a prisoner of war camp for up to 300 German, Russian and Czech prisoners. The workhouse was also known as the Oaklands Poor Law Institution, the Bishop Auckland Emergency Hospital and the Bishop Auckland General Hospital. As of the early 21st Century most of the original workhouse buildings have been demolished. Twelve large, gable roofed buildings associated with the prisoner of war camp are still in use as part of the hospital. |
More information : The Auckland Union Workhouse opened in 1855. (1)
It was extended in 1865. In 1877 an infirmary, mortuary, casual wards and a boardroom were added. Cottage homes were built in 1903. In 1909 a new infirmary was added. It was used as a military hospital during both World Wars in the 20th Century and also to shelter German prisoners of war during World War II. The workhouse was also known as the Oaklands Poor Law Institution, the Bishop Auckland Emergency Hospital and the Bishop Auckland General Hospital. As of the early 21st Century most of the original workhouse buildings have been demolished. (2)
A Second World War prisoner of war camp at Oaklands Emergency Hospital at Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland (NZ 2081 2899), also known as Camp 93a. Twelve large, gable roofed huts are still in use as part of the hospital. (3)
Camp 93a was a subsidiary camp of Harperley Camp 93. A visit by the International Red cross on 24-JUN-1944 reports that German, Russian and Czech prisoners were interned there. It held up to 300 prisoners. Some of the prisoners with medical training worked in the wards of the hospital, which cared for wounded and sick civilians, allied military personnel and prisoners of war. (4) |