Pembroke Workhouse

[GYPO]

Recently found G/Grandfathers siblings in Pembroke Workhouse 1881.Martha J James age 13,John James age 11,Mary Ann James age 6 and Jane James age 5.There is no sign of either Parent:William James .... Mary James.Would orphans have been taken in ? would there have been an orphanage for such children at that time?
                            Regards,Gypo.

[KGarrad]

Pembroke Workhouse had separate accommodation for boys & girls.
See:  http://www.workhouses.org.uk/Pembroke/

Quoting from that website:
By the 1850s, the majority of those forced into the workhouse were not the work-shy, but the old, the infirm, the orphaned, unmarried mothers, and the physically or mentally ill.

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, conditions gradually improved in the workhouse, particularly for the elderly and infirm, and for children. Food became a little more varied and small luxuries such as books, newspapers, and even occasional outings were allowed. Children were increasingly housed away from the workhouses in special schools or in cottage homes which were often placed out in the countryside.

[Orielbenfro]

There is no sign of either Parent: William James .... Mary James.

In my transcription of Pembroke St Michael Registers 1711 to 1930's there is a reference to the burial of a Mary James of the Infirmary aged 39 years on the 31 Aug 1877 by Henry S. Blink. From my book on headstones of St Michael's if she had a headstone it no longer survives.
Its just possible that Wm is lodging with Mary Fowler in the Eastend in 1881 or has William gone to seek work else where, if this is "your" Mary the Parish would still be chasing him for the children's upkeep, so he should be findable   
Rgds
Owen Ap Benfro

[GYPO]

Many thanks Owen Ap Benfro,i will definitely chase up the William you mentioned.
           once again many thanks.
                                          Gypo.

[GYPO]

What age would they have left the Workhouse? the children concerned were aged 13,11,6 and 5.
                     Regards, Gypo.