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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

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.

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