The Workhouse, Southwell

Important notice -

We’re re-opening The Workhouse from Wednesday 19 August. You will need to book your visit in advance. Check What’s On for the latest information and to book. You will be turned away if you arrive without a booking.

Atmospheric Victorian workhouse

Please book ahead before visiting Check availability

More about this place

Adults and two children taking an autumn walk amongst the trees

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

What's on 

Please book a ticket before your visit 

The Workhouse will reopen from 19 August and you’ll need to book tickets before you visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking. We'll be releasing tickets every Friday. Please note we’ll be turning people away who arrive and haven't booked. We're looking forward to welcoming you back.

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Upcoming events

See all events

Timed entry to The Workhouse, Southwell (28 Oct - 1 Nov)

Wed 28 Oct 2020
10:30-11:00
Book your timed entry to visit The Workhouse, Southwell
Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale Comes Home 

Explore new exhibition boards that are displayed in the Firbeck Infirmary about Florence Nightingale. They outline Nightingale's life and the major events that lead her into becoming a pioneer of many aspects of public health, nurses training and much more. The project is a joint venture of the University of Nottingham and the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

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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.

Firbeck in the early 20th century

The history of Firbeck Infirmary  

Discover the history of Firbeck – why was it built within The Workhouse compound? What role did it have in the wider community? Have you got a workhouse story to share?

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Our work

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.

Wallpaper depicting pink and white painted roses

Conserving history at The Workhouse - If Walls Could Talk 

The ‘Hands On or Hands Off?’ project at The Workhouse involved the collaboration with local community groups as we carry out vital conservation work.

Close-up of conservation dusting with a brush

Keeping The Workhouse clean 

In times gone by there were plenty of pauper workers to make sure The Workhouse was clean and tidy, but now we have a small team working to preserve the building. Take a look at what they get up to.

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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.

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.

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The Workhouse, Southwell

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at The Workhouse, Southwell on the National Trust Collections website

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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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