Why did the National Trust buy The Workhouse, Southwell?
The Workhouse was built in 1824 by the Reverend John Becher of Southwell, in Nottinghamshire. For over 150 years it housed the local poor, dominating the local landscape. But by 1997 this nationally important, Grade II* listed building was under threat of being turned into residential flats. Within a matter of weeks the National Trust stepped in to buy it with emergency funds, and started working to secure its long-term future as a monument to the Poor Laws and the poor.

The announcement of a £2.25 million award from the Heritage Lottery Fund in July 1999 made it possible for work to start on site later that year.

Why is The Workhouse important?

• It was used to introduce a revolutionary but harsh 'welfare' system in 1824
• This system was adopted nationwide after the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834
• The building is the least altered workhouse structure in existence today, almost unchanged since the 19th century
• The Workhouse, Southwell, and other workhouses across the country continued to provide accommodation for the poor well into the 20th century, so are important for our understanding of current welfare issues