The Workhouse, Southwell
Visitor information
This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.
-
© David Slaviero
The architecture of hope or despair?
-
© David Slaviero
Warm clothing was essential in the women's dormitory at The Workhouse
-
© National Trust
Dismayed by life in The Workhouse
-
© Dennis Gilbert
Dark and damp cellars were used for food storage and preparation
-
© David Slaviero
The 1970s bedsit evokes life here in more recent times
Atmospheric 19th-century workhouse
Discover the most complete workhouse in existence. Meet the Reverend Becher, the founder of the Workhouse, by watching the introductory film and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere evoked by the audio guide.
Based on real archive records, the guide helps bring the 19th-century inhabitants back to life.
Discover how society dealt with poverty through the centuries. Explore the segregated work yards, day rooms, dormitories, master's quarters and cellars, then see the recreated working 19th-century garden and find out what food the paupers would have eaten.
Graft, Gruel & Good-for-Nothings
Pauper character stone-breaking on a Graft and Gruel day
Meet characters from The Workhouse's past as you step back in time to the 1840s on our special living history days. Help the paupers pick oakum, join a school lesson or lend a hand with the laundry.
Saturday 6 July & 28 Sept 2013, 12-4pm
Included in normal house admission charge
Workhouse Weather
The Workhouse Collection
Visit the National Trust Collections website to discover our collection of Workhouse items. You can browse our highlights and search by object type or period.
Share your thoughts
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and share your experiences of The Workhouse at our official Facebook page. You can also view visitors' photos or post your own images in our Flickr group.