The Workhouse, Southwell

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so, however the Workhouse is closed.

Atmospheric Victorian workhouse

More about this place

Family walking dogs

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

We're reopening the places you love, gradually, safely and in step with government advice. Our houses, gardens and parklands remain closed for now. But we're opening some of our coast and countryside car parks in England, so you can get out into green spaces. You'll need to book for some of them. Some coast and countryside car parks in Northern Ireland will start to reopen from 27 May. For now, all car parks in Wales have to remain closed on government advice. Read this article to find out what's open, how you can visit, and what to expect from your visit.

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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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