East Midlands Tourism

Anyone familiar with the expression 'there's always something that needs to be done' will see evidence of fruitless labour under the 34 layers of paint plastered on the walls at Southwell Workhouse. At the turn of the nineteenth century the poor of England were becoming such a drain on resources that action needed to be taken. 'Depauperising' the masses began at Southwell Workhouse, a purpose built institution comprising of workshops and dormitories designed to eradicate idleness and encourage the poor to get back to work. A wander around Southwell Workhouse is guaranteed to transport you back to the lives of the 'inmates' working there and install fear into the most work shy visitor. Almost unchanged since the 19th century, the Grade II listed building is the least altered workhouse structure in existence today.