I am beginning to wonder if Alice was actually born in the workhouse in 1874 or '75 following the death of her father. There are indications that Abigail Barnes, her mother, may have died in the workhouse as present at her death was someone described as 'inmate' I understand that at that time it was not compulsary to register the birth of children born in the workhouse.

Any suggestions as to where I might find records of the workhouse that might show births, deaths etc ?

Marjorie

judging by the census then closer to Gloucester might be the answer

1871
Charles Barnes abt 1835 Newent, Gloucestershire, England Head Churcham, Gloucestershire
Abigail Barnes abt 1837 Linton, Herefordshire, England Wife Churcham, Gloucestershire
Anne M Barnes abt 1868 Newent, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Churcham, Gloucestershire
Martha J Barnes abt 1865 Newent, Gloucestershire, England Daughter Churcham, Gloucestershire
Tom Barnes abt 1870 Newent, Gloucestershire, England Son Churcham, Gloucestershire

Name: Abigail Barnes
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1838
Year of Registration: 1876
Quarter of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep
Age at Death: 38
District: Gloucester (1837-1937)
County: Gloucestershire
Volume: 6a
Page: 176

are these the children in the Workhouse in 1881 ?

1881
Alfred Barnes abt 1874 Kingsholm, Gloucestershire, England Pauper Gloucester St Catherine, Gloucestershire
Alice Barnes abt 1873 Kingsholm, Gloucestershire, England Pauper Gloucester St Catherine, Gloucestershire
Thomas Barnes abt 1868 Kingsholm, Gloucestershire, England Pauper Gloucester St Catherine, Gloucestershire