Comprises records relating to the admission, discharge and maintenance of inmates of the York Workhouse, which was later known at the City Institution and then The Grange). Relief granted within the workhouse was termed 'indoor relief' as opposed to 'outdoor relief' which was granted to the poor in their own homes (i.e.outside the Workhouse).

Also includes records relating to the staffing and administration of the Workhouse.

Includes records relating to governance of the Union; indoor relief (workhouse relief); outdoor relief; the collection of relief; settlement and removal; child welfare; hospitals and asylums; public health; assessment and rating; civil registration; the general administration of the Union (including staffing); financial records; legal case paper and summonses; and records relating to properties and buildings owned or tenanted by the Union.

Many of the records relating to indoor relief and outdoor relief contain information on individuals.

Includes records of the York Public Assistance Committee, which was responsible for the administration of the Poor Law from 1930-1948.