Amy Farnworth. 5W.

Thursday 7th July 2011.

Description of a workhouse in the 1840’s.

I quickly sprinted to work as fast as I possibly could. I didn’t want to be late once again. I was actually shaking because I was that anxious. As I entered the factory I knew I had to spend the next twelve hours in this dirty, horrible dump. I rapidly raced down the stairs into the factory. My heart was beating abnormally quickly. Apprehension rushed through my veins.

A few minutes later, I sprinted over to my machine. Sweat began to drip from my forehead! I had only been in this dump for less than two minutes, and I could already feel the heat coming towards me. Without thinking I dashed over to the window and opened it. I had hoped no one would have seen me but the Overseer did...

As soon as I had turned around, I saw the Overseer pointing to his whipping bench with his massive leather whip! I was horrified. It felt like my life was over! I was speechless. My hands were shaking violently. I knew what this meant. I slowly edged forward to the whipping bench. Everyone began to stare at me!!

Unfortunately, I had to kneel down on my hands and knees against the whipping bench. The Overseer stood above me ready to whip me. Tears trickled down my face before I had even been whipped. Suddenly, I felt the leather whip against my skin. It felt like a swarmof wasps were stinging me all at the same time! I was physically hurt!! I was unsettled more than ever.

All of a sudden, I turned around and saw two people begging for a drink of water. They wouldn’t stop at all. The Overseer became fed up so he pointed to the whipping bench. He gave them then six lashes each.

Moments later, when we had settled down ready to work at our machines we all heard a loud scream. My friend Lucy got her hand cut off from the unstable machine. I quickly raced over but before I had a chance everyone had already crowded round. We all yelled for help! The Overseer was disappointed because he couldn’t whip or fine her because none of it was her fault.

Eventually, the day was finally over as soon as the doors opened everyone charged out like a herd of elephants. I was actually thankful the day had ended. I didn’t ever want to go back, but I had to the next day. I didn’t feel trapped like in a prison anymore. I was glad I was out of there at last...