‘Voice of the Visitors’: An Exploration of the Work of the Charity Organisation Society in Oxford, 1878–1880

Abstract

The article explores the role of the Charity Organisation Society (COS) in conjunction with the local voluntary hospital (Radcliffe Infirmary) in Oxford, in attempts to filter the ‘deserving’ from the ‘undeserving’ poor in order to ensure the right people received ‘gratuitous medical relief’. This was during a time when there was increased pressure on the out-patients department due to an expanding population, and the government had curbed public spending to restrict out-relief, which included medical relief. Through examination of unique patient records made by the COS visitors from 1878 to 1880, a picture of the work of the Oxford COS is gained. Other documentary sources concerned with associated health and welfare projects have also been examined to measure the outcome of the project, identify key personnel and influences within the city.