The meaning of "institution" in 1841 census

[Gammatech]

Hi,

After quite a long break I am back to tracing my family and need some help. What was meant by "Institution" in the 1841 census? Did it it refer only to a workhouse or asylum or was it broader to encompass such as lodging houses? I have come across entries with only four people which seems low for a workhouse or an asylum.

Any help appreciated,

Martin

[Frodo]

An Institution could also be a Barracks or a hospital. Could you cross reference the address with old maps or trade/street directories via the internet or library - they might show whether the building was likely to be large but for some reason with low occupancy or small so some sort of society or similar.

[Gammatech]

Thanks Frodo, I'll try that.

I had found one ancestor that ended up in the workhouse following the death of his wife, (I guess we'd call it having a breakdown nowadays) He was lucky, he became a servant to the master eventually after 20 years as an inmate!

Martin.

[Frodo]

Just an afterthought - perhaps someone on the forum or the library/archive or even local newspaper may have a photo of the Street.