The Risbridge Poor Law Union was formed on 3rd November 1835. It was overseen by an elected Board of Guardians, of which were 28. They included representatives of the 26 parishes including those who were to refer residents to the workhouse (although Haverhill and Clare had two representatives).The Workhouse was built in 1856. The architect was John Francis Clark of Newmarket (1816-1898). He was also a horse racing judge. His brother was the architect of the Ipswich Customs House. The building was extended in 1900 when a new male block and kitchen were addedThe building was known as the Risbridge Union Workhouse from 1835 – 1929; the Risbridge Poor Law Institution, from, 1930-1947 and the Risbridge Hospital from 1948-1980 (approx)The building was pulled down late last century. Between 1835 and the time it was taken down, hundreds of people lived and died in that place. Although all those who died were given a Christian funeral, most were too poor to afford a headstone to mark their grave. Now, thanks to the generosity of local councillors' locality budgets and H J Paintin, funeral directors, there is a permanent headstone to remember them. Their names will be listed in a book which will be kept in the church so that those who may come looking for the grave of a relative who lived in Risbridge will be able to search for their name and see the headstone.Rector, Fr Christopher Giles dedicated the headstone on 27 September 2025. He said, the story of Risbridge has been revealed to him during his five years here by various villagers who worked there. He is immensely pleased that there is now a headstone to mark the place where hundreds are buried. The work is not finished. While there is a list of 250 names already, it is believed there are more. The list of names will eventually be available in the church. Fr Chris said this project, which has involved many people, reflects the kindness and community spirit he has experienced in Kedington.
