A GROUP of Liverpool volunteers has completed a project led by The National Archives which provides a snapshot of life in the city during Victorian times.

‘Living the Poor Life’ reveals the untold history of life in 19th century Victorian Workhouses.

Around 200 volunteers from across the country have created a free resource consisting of thousands of pages, which now offer a detailed look at a revolutionary period in Britain’s history.

Liverpool was one of 21 Poor Law Unions selected for the 18-month project. It is estimated that around 80% of the population of England and Wales in the mid-1800s were affected by the Poor Law Unions.

Dr Paul Carter, project director and principal modern records specialist at The National Archives said: “In many ways the lives of the poor are still hidden behind the impressive statistics of nineteenth century industry and trade.

“The groups who have catalogued the Liverpool records have made this kind of research so much easier”.

By searching the database people can access letters, memos, reports and accounts where details of individual paupers, cases of neglect and cruelty, and workhouse staff can be found.

Jo McCann, the volunteer co-ordinator for Liverpool said: “As well as revealing everyday stories of the 19th century poor, the records will help researchers, academics and historians to truly understand what life was like.

“They tell you how the poor lived and what it was like to fall on hard times at an otherwise prosperous time of the growth for Britain’s economy and industrial capacity”.