Winter at The Workhouse & Infirmary
Not surprisingly, life in the workhouse at Christmas was usually grim compared to the outside world. However, it was the one day of the year when conditions were eased slightly and was a brighter time for those that lived here.
Christmas Day was (along with Good Friday and each Sunday) one of the special days when no work, except the necessary household work and cooking, was performed by inmates.
Poor Law Commissioners ordered that no extra food was to be allowed on this day, however, some unions chose to disregard the rules and celebrate in the traditional way.
Evidence suggests that the Board of Guardians for the Southwell Workhouse did just that, with their meeting minutes on 20 December 1836, documenting, 'the poor in the two workhouses are to have an increase in diet on Christmas Day; dinner of roast beef and plum pudding, and tea and cake for supper.'
Christmas dinner offered not only the excitement over a special meal, but a rare and unusual chance for all classes of inmates to be together.
How will the festive season look at The Workhouse this year
From 15 November, aligning with historical evidence, The Workhouse itself will be simply decorated with foliage through the festive season.
The Nottingham Guardian newspaper of January 1869 described the festivities: 'The dining hall which, except on this and similar occasions, is used as the Boardroom and chapel, was very tastefully and appropriately decorated. Festoons of ivy, with here and there, suitable designs of holly and other evergreens encircled the walls. Over the centre door was the motto, neatly worked in letters on crimson baize, A Merry Christmas’ .
In addition, seasonal interpretation and displays will give visitors an insight into how the festive season unfolded for the inmates, based on the poem In the Workhouse: Christmas Day written by George R Sims in1877.
Key visitor areas, such as the Visitor Reception Building, The Hub and the cafe, will be decorated with Christmas trees and simple decorations.
Christmas Pudding Trail
Running on all open days over the festive period, come and take part in our brand new family adventure, the Christmas Pudding Trail.
It's Christmas Day at The Workhouse and the inmates have been treated to a Christmas Pudding. Find all the ingredients as you explore the house and complete the recipe for this traditional Victorian classic. £2.50 per trail.
Christmas Celebration, Saturday 13 December
Saturday 13 December will be our official Christmas celebration at The Workhouse & Infirmary.
The Pauper Choir will deliver two performances accompanied by the harmonium at 11.30 and 13.30.
Visitors are invited to step back in time with Tales from The Workhouse as our costumed characters tell winter-themed stories of what life was like for the inmates at 12.00.
The Victorian Era was a time of social change and cultural evolution, reflected in the development of dance. With this in mind, at 14.00, visitors can enjoy a free Folk dancing session in the activities area.
Throughout the day, Christmas crafts will be set up in the Stables for families to enjoy, and mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the cafe for visitors to purchase.
Reverse advent calendar
Our reverse advent calendar flips the traditional idea of an advent calendar. Instead of receiving a small gift or treat in the lead up to Christmas, we're asking visitors to make a donation to support two local charities: Baby Basics and Newark Emmaus Trust.
Baby Basics Newark and Ashfield
The charity provides essential items for pregnant mums who are struggling in any way, and their newborn baby. They aim to give these mums dignity and confidence so that when they have their baby they appear no different to any other mum.
The items needed are:
- Moses baskets (including very good quality preloved baskets)
- First-size nappies
- Baby wipes
- Maternity pads
- Baby shampoo, wash and lotion
- Adult shampoo and shower gel
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Towels
- Blankets
- Newborn clothing
Newark Emmaus Trust
The Trust helps all local homeless and vulnerable young people aged 16-25. It is dedicated to the improvement of all young homeless lives no matter the background, race, ethnicity, religion, or gender.
The items the team are looking for are:
- Chocolate
- Sweets
- Socks mens and womens
- All toiletries suitable for a present e.g nice shampoo, nice soap etc
- Pampering goods such as face masks
- 10" x 8" or 7" x 5" Photo frames
- Slippers/slipper socks
Please drop donations off at the Visitor Reception Building, next to the car park, from 15 November - 21 December. During this time, the property is open on Saturday and Sundays from 10.30 - 15.00.
If you have any queries about the reverse advent calendar, please contact the team on 01636 817260 or email at theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
Winter opening times
From Monday 3 November – Sunday 21 December, The Workhouse & Infirmary will open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 with last admission at 14.00.
The property will be closed for its annual winter conservation clean from Monday 22 December, and will reopen for half-term on Saturday 14 February 2026.
Keep up to date with what's happening at the property by following us on Instagram (theworkhouseandinfirmary) and Facebook (NTWorkhouse).
You may also be interested in
Visiting The Workhouse and Infirmary
Find out more about visiting The Workhouse and Infirmary, where guided tours, exhibitions and activities help bring to life the stories of the people who had to work to receive food, shelter and medical care here.
Family-friendly things to do at The Workhouse and Infirmary
There are lots of ways to keep the family engaged at The Workhouse and Infirmary. With children's trails, seasonal activities, digital devices and dress up.
Our work at The Workhouse and Infirmary
Discover how we care for The Workhouse and the items in its collection, including original Victorian wallpaper from the Infirmary.
