The Workhouse, Southwell
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![View of the front of The Workhouse in autumn showing the garden with pumpkins and apples]()
The Workhouse and garden in autumn -
![Exterior side angle of the central section of The Workhouse building]()
Discover the principles upon which The Workhouse was founded -
![An interpretation panel printed on gauze showing three old and infirm male paupers in dormitory]()
Explore the dormitories
Atmospheric Victorian workhouse
Atmospheric Victorian workhouse
Walking up the paupers' path towards The Workhouse it is easy to imagine how the Victorian poor might have felt as they sought refuge here. This austere building, the most complete workhouse in existence, was built in 1824 as a place of last resort for the destitute. Its architecture was influenced by prison design and its harsh regime became a blueprint for workhouses throughout the country.
This rural workhouse was designed to house around 160 inmates. They lived and worked in a strictly segregated environment with virtually no contact between the old and infirm, able-bodied men and women and children
The stories of those who lived and worked here in the 1840s help bring the building to life and prompt reflection on how society has tackled poverty through the centuries.
'An empty workhouse is a successful one' - Rev. J T Becher (founder of Southwell Workhouse)
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £9.55 | £8.65 |
| Child | £4.75 | £4.30 |
| Family | £23.80 | £21.60 |
| 1 adult 2 children | £14.25 | £12.95 |
|
Group Adult
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £8.20 |
|
Group Child
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £4.10 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid donations must be supported by a valid Gift Aid declaration and a Gift Aid declaration can only cover donations made by an individual for him/herself or for him/herself and members of his/her family.
Last admission one hour before closing. Property may close earlier due to low light levels. Group bookings from 12noon-3pm.
