The Poor House Burials at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall

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Helen at holy trinity church in Eccleshall

Nestled in the heart of the historic market town of Eccleshall, Eagle House is today a boutique guest house full of charm, comfort, and character. But it hasn’t always been a place of rest and retreat. Originally built as Eccleshall’s Poor House, Eagle House once served as a last refuge for the most vulnerable members of society — the elderly, the sick, the orphaned, and the destitute.

As part of our ongoing passion project to uncover the fascinating history of Eagle House, we’ve recently undertaken the research to identify the individuals who died while in residence here during its time as a Poor House. With the kind support of Reverend Philip Johnson at Holy Trinity Church, and by accessing a transcription of burial records from 1813–1848, we are now able to share this poignant and moving chapter of local history — one that connects our present to a forgotten past.

What Was a Poor House?

Poor Houses, also known later as Workhouses, were institutions established in the 18th and 19th centuries to house those unable to support themselves. Residents were provided with food and shelter, but often in exchange for hard labour and under harsh conditions.

For many, entering the Poor House was a last resort — a place of both survival and stigma. In death, this stigma persisted. Many paupers received what were known as pauper’s burials: simple interments, often in unmarked graves, paid for by the parish. These burials rarely included a headstone, and the deceased were usually remembered only in the church registers, if at all.

A Remarkable Discovery

Thanks to the generosity of Philip, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, we were given access to a typed 1982 transcription of the original parish burial records titled “1813–1848, Burials and Weddings Vol. 11–12”, held at the Staffordshire History Centre. This document offered an incredibly rare glimpse into the lives — and deaths — of those who lived in Eagle House when it served as a Poor House.

What makes these records so compelling is the way they’re documented. Unlike other entries, which typically list a person’s residence as simply “Eccleshall” or “Stafford,” the paupers are specifically listed as living in the “Poor House.” This single detail has made it possible to compile a most likely complete list of all individuals who died while in residence at Eagle House between 1819 and 1839.

We find it fascinating — and also deeply moving — that these individuals were singled out in the records. Was it an administrative choice, or a reflection of the social stigma of poverty at the time? Either way, this specificity has now become a gift to local history, allowing us to restore a measure of identity and dignity to those whose lives might otherwise have been forgotten.

The Human Side of History

As we combed through the names, patterns began to emerge. The ages at burial paint a sobering picture — many were infants or children, while others were elderly, reinforcing the Poor House’s role as a sanctuary for those with nowhere else to turn.

Some surnames appear more than once, suggesting families who suffered repeated loss — perhaps entire generations who lived and died within the same walls. It’s impossible not to feel the weight of that history as you read through the list.

In total, 89 individuals are recorded, from infants just weeks old to nonagenarians. Each name is a person, each date a story — all linked forever to Eagle House and the town of Eccleshall. We will remember them all.

What Comes Next?

Reverend Philip has also kindly suggested additional sources where we might find more information on the residents and history of Eagle House, so watch this space for future blog updates as our research continues.

We also plan to compile our research into a book, which we will donate to the local library — a lasting tribute for future generations interested in Eccleshall’s social history.

Why This Matters — And Why We Share It

Here at Eagle House, our guests often tell us how much they appreciate the sense of history that infuses every room and corridor. By sharing stories like these, we hope to enrich your stay, spark conversation, and inspire a deeper connection to this unique corner of Staffordshire.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a genealogy researcher, or simply someone who loves to travel with purpose, Eagle House Eccleshall offers a place to stay that is truly steeped in the past.

Come and be part of the story.

The names of those who passed

1819

  1. Matha Sutton, 03/03/1819, age 70
  2. Thomas Beitlinson 23/05/19 age 79
  3. William Simmonds 19/12/19, age 76
  4. John Turner 31/12/19 age 87

1820

  • Thomas Wood 26/01/20, age 54
  • Mary Bisby 18/06/20 age 14
  • Samuel Hale  20/06/20 age 74

1821

  • John Cordwell 14/03/21 age 9 months
  • James Hodgett 27/05/21 age 6
  • John Bisby 24/08/21 age 56

1822

  1. Sarah Eardley 20/01/22 age 72
  2. Thomas Madeley 15/08/22 age 4
  3. Maria Marsh 20/09/22  age 14 months

1823

  1. Catherine Randles 05/10/23 age 60
  2. Sarah Rose 27/06/1823 age 62
  3. Elizabeth Hall 07/12/23 age 81

1824

  1. Thomas Howse 23/01/24 age 37
  2. John Hewett 10/03/24 age 72
  3. Jane Pershall 18/03/24 age 3
  4. Nicholas Howse 18/03/24 age 87
  5. Sarah Mathews 24/03/24 age 24
  6. Thomas Parton 28/03/24 age 72
  7. Elizabeth Harrison 03/05/24 Age 80
  8. Mary Wilks 05/07/24 age 60

1825

  • John Bennett 16/01/25 age 82
  • John Cox 20/03/25  age 4
  • Thomas Titley 04/09/25 age 72
  • Joseph Thacker 07/10/25 age 5 weeks
  • Thomas Hall 07/12/25 age 25
  • William Whitehouse 27/12/25 age 68

1826

  1. Ellen Boughey 01/03/26 age 54
  2. Mary Cliff 03/05/26 age 60
  3. Jane Hamilton  06/06/26 age 90
  4. Sarah smith 13/07/26 age 3 months
  5. Elizabeth Boughey 02/09/26 age 93
  6. Ralph Rushton 06/10/26 age 84
  7. Thomas Minchal 14/10/26 age 77

1827

  • George Dymock 24/01/27 age 81
  • Ann Bood 03/03/27 age 56
  • Barnard Stanley 15/07/27 age 54

1828

  1. Elizabeth Harrison 21/04/28 age 70
  2. Edward Soledon 22/08/28 age 70

1829

  1. Catherine Cotton 21/01/29 age 59
  2. Winifred Yates 04/04/29 age 60
  3. Mary Cresswell 25/04 29 age 55
  4. ? Cliff 03/08/29 age 68
  5. Margaret Parrance 19/12/29 age 81

1830

  1. William Walbot 18/01/30 age 38
  2. Louisa Adamson 19/01/30 age 49
  3. John Wafde 25/03/ 30 age 1
  4. Thomas Cheadle 24/07/30 age 78

1831

  • Ann King 26/08/31 age 2 weeks
  • Benjamin Lowe 31/08/31 age 66
  • Elizabeth King 29/10/31 no age recorded
  • Joseph Davies 22/11/31 age 2 months
  • Mary Brown 20/12/31 age 33

1832

  • William Paine 08/03/32 age79
  • Thomas Sutton 04/04/32 age 91

1833

  • Thomas lees 01/04/33 age 80

1834

  1. Peggy Evans 03/01/34 age 30
  2. Thomas King 13/02/34 infant
  3. Hannah Howard  14/05/34 age 50
  4. Charles Hase 17/08/34 age 61
  5. William Tims 29/09/34 age 23
  6. Edward Lowe 15/12/34 age 72

1835

  • Ellen Vernon 06/01/35 age 2
  • William Boughey 13/02/35 age 34
  • Mary Wright 28/02/35 age 56
  • Caroline Stacey 24/04/35 age 3
  • William bailey 19/08/35 infant
  • Joseph Nordip 17/09/35 age 90

1836

  1. Ruth Lawton 03/03/36 age 64 
  2. John Aemis 30/09/36 age 76
  3. James key 27/10/36 age 70
  4. William Ensor 13/11/36 age 63
  5. William Gregory 17/11/36 age 61
  6. William Bloor 20/12/36 age 70

1837

  1. Francis Clarke 09/01/37 age 74
  2. William Rea 07/02/37 age 65

1838

  • Thomas key 20/08/38 age 21
  • Ann Cheadle 20/08/38 age 72
  • Mary Shelley 06/12/38 age 4

1839

  • Joseph Adams 22/01/39 age 91
  • Ralph Rushton 22/01/39 age 76
  • Harriet bates 28/01 39 infant
  • Harriet Plant 10/02/39 age 29
  • William Gray 20/02/39 age 3
  • Thomas Plant 21/03/39 infant
  • George Wildig 29/03/39 age 84

With heartfelt thanks to Reverend Philip Johnson and Holy Trinity Church for their generosity and support. Without access to their records, this important chapter in Eagle House’s history would have remained hidden.

To book your stay or learn more about Eagle House’s rich heritage, visit our website.

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