The Workhouse, Southwell

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Atmospheric Victorian workhouse

More about this place

Costumed volunteer dressed as a female pauper in despair at The Workhouse

Museums at Night: Sinister Stories 

Sat 29 Oct, 6.30-8.30pm. The Workhouse Storytellers present a special after-hours storytelling evening. Step back in time and experience the darker side of life inside The Workhouse as staff and paupers share their stories of despair. Booking essential.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Things to see and do

The exterior of the Workhouse, Southwell, Nottinghamshire

Plan your day 

Satisfy your curiosity about the workhouse system through tours, guides and exhibitions.

View of workhouse garden from building through a window

The garden 

From plot to pauper plate, explore the recreated Victorian vegetable garden and admire the range of heritage varieties grown.

Young girl completing a Workhouse children's trail looking out the window for answers

For younger visitors 

Explore with Mary Mouse and George the Cat, find all the nooks and crannies and learn about workhouse life by following our special guide and trails.

Graffiti on Workhouse wall created by pauper

Calling aspiring artists 

Get creative this autumn at The Workhouse with graffiti, spooky crafts and scary squash.

Illustration of musician on background of workhouse building and paupers

Re-imagining The Workhouse 

Creative fellow, Chris T-T, will be performing the 'Ballad for Southwell' over the autumn, as part of Re-imagining The Workhouse.

Carbolic soap and scrubbing brush

From Workhouse to welfare 

A new exhibition which illustrates the changing role of The Workhouse in the provision of health and social welfare.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

What's on 

Upcoming events

See all events

'From Workhouse to Welfare' exhibition

Wed 28 Sep 2016
12:00-17:00
A series of exhibition pieces throughout The Workhouse investigating the changing use of the buildings and the people who lived in them.

Harvest Weekend

Sat 01 Oct 2016
12:00-16:00
Join the paupers as they gather produce for the winter ahead and tell tales of the hard times to come.

The Big Draw: Picture a Pauper

Sun 09 Oct 2016
12:00-16:00
Sketch real-life Workhouse characters and use the buildings and grounds as inspiration for your own artwork.

Rats, Bats & Cats Trail

Sat 22 Oct 2016
12:00-16:00
George the Cat knows the darkest places in The Workhouse. Can you find them all with his trail?

Apple Day at The Workhouse

Sat 22 Oct 2016
12:00-16:00
Join in with Southwell Bramley Apple Festival and celebrate this famous apple variety with storytelling, tree dressing and apple tours.

Rats, Bats & Cats Craft Day

Wed 26 Oct 2016
12:00-16:00
Create your own scary creatures ready for a fright-filled Hallowe'en. All materials provided.
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The Workhouse, Southwell

Eating and shopping

Display of Workhouse shop products including gifts and souvenirs

Visit the gift shop and Day Room refreshment area 

Browse our shop for workhouse inspired gifts and souvenirs, or take a break with a light snack and a hot drink.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

History

Exterior side angle of the central section of The Workhouse building

The Workhouse concept 

Learn about The Workhouse's role and how it evolved through time, with the site providing shelter for those in need until the 1980s.

Costumed volunteer dressed as a female pauper making The Workhouse beds

A snapshot of inmate life 

Get an idea of what living inside the workhouse would have been like for its pauper residents.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Our work

Close-up of conservation dusting with a brush

Conservation and caring for our collections 

Take a look at how our small team preserves the building and all of its many fascinating objects.

The 1970s bedsit recreated from oral history testimonies

Recording the past in our memory archive 

How the oral history from people who once lived and worked here has helped us to accurately recreate this special place.

Photo of Fiona Lewin Conservation Officer up in the roof space at The Workhouse

Meet our Conservation Officer 

An interview with Fiona Lewin, who has the very important job of taking care of The Workhouse.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Get involved

Group photo of The Workhouse's volunteer community infront of the building

Become a volunteer 

From being a room guide to gardening, there's a role to suit everyone and we always welcome new faces to our friendly team of helpers.

Three volunteer storytellers dressed as female paupers preparing food at a kitchen table

Meet The Workhouse Storytellers 

This group of volunteers brings the past to life with stories inspired by Workhouse records - find out how to book them for your visit.

Photo of volunteer Margaret Marshall

Learn about our team of costume creators 

One of our volunteers, Margaret Marshall, talks about creating wonderful authentic outfits for our costumed storytellers.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Learning

School children dressed as paupers receiving a Victorian school lesson

Opportunities for schools and students 

Work with our award-winning education team to create a thought provoking session for your pupils in this atmospheric setting.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Groups

An interpretation panel printed on gauze showing three old and infirm male paupers in dormitory

Organise a visit or private tour 

We have a variety of options to suit your needs and interests, so take a look at what we can offer and how to book your group day out.

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