The Workhouse, Southwell (National Trust)
The Workhouse
Upton Road
Southwell
Nottinghamshire
NG25 0PT
England
Website
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse
Information
theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone
Learning Officer
01636 817262
Information
01636 817260
Fax
01636 817251
Discover the most complete workhouse in existence. Built in 1824 The Workhouse was a means of relief for the Victorian poor. Pioneering in its design and approach it became the blueprint for similar institutions across the country. The Workhouse's story is told from the perspective of those who lived and worked there. Listen to their stories and decide for yourself if it was a place of hope or dispair.
Explore the austere and empty rooms and atmospheric work yards with the help of an audio guide and let your imagination conjure up images of the paupers and staff going about their daily lives. All stories you will hear are based on archive records.
Venue Type:
Museum, Historic house or home, Heritage site, Garden, parklands or rural site
Additional info
Education activities form a vital part of the programme at The Workhouse. The site has enormous potential in many key areas of the National Curriculum as well as providing exciting opportunities for lifelong learning.
Visual Arts and Performing Arts projects feature highly with artists in residence being a regular feature.
Schools Visits: Teachers are encouraged to take up the offer of a free preliminary visit once they have made a booking.
Designated parking 200yds. Drop-off point. 5 manual wheelchairs available. Ramped entrance. Ground floor fully accessible, (except for motorised wheelchairs). Stair access only to other floors. Manual wheelchairs available on other floors. Audio-visual/video. Photograph album. Please ring for details and to book wheelchairs. Adapted WC in car park and at The Workhouse.
The Master’s Punishment - children can now explore The Workhouse by playing The Master’s Punishment game. Find the answers to the questions in each room and see what your punishment is!
Meet the paupers - meet some of the “characters” who lived at The Workhouse in the 19th century every Monday.
Collection details
Architecture, Costume and Textiles, Law and Order, Social History
Women in The Workhouse exhibition
Launching on International Women's Day this fascinating exhibition charts the significant contribution made by women during The Workhouse's recent past. Testimonies of a former matron, nurse, seamstress, hairdresser and inmates provide an insight in to the changing nature of workhouse life.
Suitable for
When
12-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Access via flight of stairs.
Ffi contact: Property Administrator, 01636 817260, theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Women in The Workhouse exhibition
Launching on International Women's Day this fascinating exhibition charts the significant contribution made by women during The Workhouse's recent past. Testimonies of a former matron, nurse, seamstress, hairdresser and inmates provide an insight in to the changing nature of workhouse life. Access via flight of stairs
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
A taste of volunteering at The Workhouse
Ever thought of volunteering? Find out what it is like to volunteer at The Workhouse as you meet gardeners, storytellers, room guides, researchers and other members of the volunteer community.
Suitable for
When
10am-12pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Essential.
This is a free event but booking is essential due to limited capacity.
Ffi contact: Property Administrator, 01636 817260, theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Graft, Gruel and Good-for-Nothings
Meet characters from The Workhouse's past as you step back in time to the 1840s. Pick oakum, practice your copperplate script on a schoolroom slate, lend a hand with the laundry or even get down on your knees and scrub the floors!
Suitable for
When
12-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Property Administrator, 01636 817260, theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Graft, Gruel and Good-for-Nothings
Meet characters from The Workhouse's past as you step back in time to the 1840s. Pick oakum, practice your copperplate script on a schoolroom slate, lend a hand with the laundry or even get down on your knees and scrub the floors! Suitable for all the family
When
12-4pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pop-up Paupers and Other Characters
Meet one of The Workhouse's costumed characters and hear about their experiences of Workhouse life.
Suitable for
When
12-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Property Administrator, 01636 817260, theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pop-up Paupers and Other Characters
Meet one of The Workhouse's costumed characters and hear about their experiences of Workhouse life.
Suitable for
When
12-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Property Administrator, 01636 817260, theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pop-up Paupers and Other Characters
Meet one of The Workhouse's costumed characters and hear about their experiences of Workhouse life.
Suitable for
When
12-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Property Administrator, 01636 817260, theworkhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Fun Days
A chance for all the family to have a go at arts and crafts activities. All materials are provided, different themes each session. Specially for children
When
12-3:30pm
Admission
Child: £3.00. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Family Focus Month: Pauper's yarn tour
Join pauper Sarah Godson or Henry Stanley to find out what life was really like in the Workhouse on this family focused introductory tour. Specially for families
When
11:15am-12:15pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Conservation Secrets tour
A fascinating and rare glimpse behind the scenes. Join the conservation team to visit hidden rooms and discover how we look after our collection of Workhouse artefacts. Best suited to adults
When
11am-12:30pm
Where
Workhouse reception
Admission
Adult: £6.50. Property admission charge does not apply. £6.50 event price includes admission to house
. 01636 817260. Pre payment required
50p postage if tickets mailed
.
Graft, Gruel and Good-for-Nothings
Meet characters from The Workhouse's past as you step back in time to the 1840s. Pick oakum, practice your copperplate script on a schoolroom slate, lend a hand with the laundry or even get down on your knees and scrub the floors! Suitable for all the family
When
12-4pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Picture a pauper: Big Draw day
Create your own artwork as part of The Big Draw. Sketch a pauper in costume, a kitchen table still life or experience what it was like to draw on a school slate. Seek artisitic advice from a local expert and enter a children's drawing competition. Pencils and paper provided.
When
12-4pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
The Big Crunch: Apple Day at The Workhouse
Join in with apple-themed actiivites at the home of the Bramley apple. Have a go at creating the longest apple peel and help Charlie the Caterpillar munch through the apple trail. Specially for children
When
12-4pm
Admission
Free. Usual property admission prices apply.
Spooky stories at The Workhouse
Come and listen, if you dare, to spooky tales told by Workhouse characters in this atmospheric setting. Wear warm clothing. Suitable for older children
When
6-8pm
Admission
Adult: £6.00 - Child: £3.50. Property admission charge does not apply. 01636 817260. Pre payment required
50p postage if tickets mailed
.
A Victorian Workhouse Christmas
Visit The Workhouse for a taste of Victorian festivities. Entertainment, carols, brass band and seasonal refreshments.. The Victorians were the ambassadors of modern Christmas celebrations. But how might Victorian paupers have celebrated?
Join us for an evening filled with carols, stories, mulled wine and mince pies. Meet Victorian staff and inmates and get into the Christmas spirit.
When
4:30-8:30pm
Where
Reception
Admission
Adult £3.50. Booking Essential. 01636 815 260. Warm clothing and a torch recommended, along with your best singing voice.. Wheelchair access.. All children welcome. Assistance Dogs only are welcome.
A Victorian Workhouse Christmas
Visit The Workhouse for a taste of Victorian festivities. Entertainment, carols, brass band and seasonal refreshments.. The Victorians were the ambassadors of modern Christmas celebrations. But how might Victorian paupers have celebrated?
Join us for an evening filled with carols, stories, mulled wine and mince pies. Meet Victorian staff and inmates and get into the Christmas spirit.
When
4:30-8:30pm
Where
Reception
Admission
Adult £3.50. Booking Essential. 01636 815 260. Warm clothing and a torch recommended, along with your best singing voice.. Wheelchair access.. All children welcome. Assistance Dogs only are welcome.
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