How is it Remembered?

The Workhouse is an imposing red brick building on the outskirts of Southwell, Nottinghamshire, UK. The building is the least altered workhouse structure in existence today, nearly unchanged since the 19th century.

Built in 1824, The Workhouse was a bold experiment that influenced national policy on the poor. Life inside was intended to be harsher than outside, and to encourage self-sufficiency and industry wherever possible.

The design of The Workhouse was based upon the principles of “Classification” and “Segregation.” New inmates entered through the side gate, were interviewed and issued a uniform and clogs or boots. They were then segregated by class, sex and age. Once assigned, they could not move freely through the building.

Men were confined to the east wing, women to the west and children at the rear. Ingenious double interlocking stairs ensured vertical division and segregation.

The building, and the system it embodied, was used as a model for the 1834 New Poor Law, that established hundreds of similar workhouses with the same strict regime.

The National Trust acquired The Workhouse in 1997. It is open to visitors from Easter until the end of October. An education program offers special visits and study facilities for all ages.

The Visitor Route includes an introductory video and audio tour including characterizations of Workhouse personalities to bring the space to life. Exhibit spaces will interpret the development of the site. An interactive area provides a hands-on experience and consideration of contemporary issues such as poverty.

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How is it Remembered?