Wages

The Asylum Superintendent was Joseph Holland who resided there with his wife Mary Ann

and sister-in-law Mary Ann Rogers. He was provided with a cook, two housemaids, free coal,

washing, garden produce and accommodation. His salary in 1851 was £340 p.a. by 1901 he

was paid £1,000 p.a. The Chaplin, who was paid £228p.a., was the next senior official and

occupied the adjacent house. By 1901 his salary had increased to £450 p.a. Moral cleansing

was part of the treatment. The treasurer and clerk was paid a salary of £120 later increased

£320 plus £20 for being the organist. Ellen Shaw, the matron, commenced at £50 p.a.

By 1901 there were seven shoemakers, a basket maker, a matmaker, two upholsters, a

butcher and 3 bakers. A brewer was employed part time to provide the daily ration of 1 pint

of beer to each patient. The dispenser was also the photographer and there is a photographic

record of every patient from about 1890.

It is interesting to note, that the census returns for 1851, whilst showing their job in the

asylum under status, also records under 'Occupation', their previous job prior to their

appointment. William Pennington who was a policeman, was recorded in the wages book as

age 30 and employed as an attendant at an annual salary of £30.(58p per week). In the 1851

census, the same year, his age is recorded as 42. Ann Pennington, who was probably

William's wife, was a servant who later became an attendant, at a wage of £16 per annum

(31p per week) Food and clothing were provided. Catherine Roberts, a cook from

Merionethshire was paid £20 p.a. (31p per week). Susan Morris from Towyn, was employed

as a housemaid at an annual salary of £10.10s.0d (20p per week).

Thomas Joice, employed as a tailor, from Newcastle-on-Tyne at 49 was an ex-soldier (tailor

to the regiment) at £30.p.a. Unfortunately his name was mis-transcribed in the 1851 census

as "'DICE?" , due to the bad writing. He would make all the clothes for the inmates with help

probably from patient No.1. Matthew Holmes. Men would be supplied with a fustian jacket

and trousers. Wages were paid weekly and salaries quarterly. The total wages bill for 1851

was Males £426.17s.1d. Females, £214.7s.5d.