The Workhouse evokes the grim Victorian world of Oliver Twist, but its story is a fascinating mix of social history, politics, economics and architecture. This site is dedicated to the workhouse — its buildings, inmates, staff and administrators, even its poets. Use the sidebar or Search box to find information.
Just Out! Basingstoke Workshouse and Poor Law Union by Barbara Large. The complete story from plan to demolition. More....
Jeremy Corbyn's great-great-grandfather was the despotic master of the Farnham workhouse.
For information on 1000s of children's homes, orphanages, reformatories, industrial schools, training ships etc. visit www.childrenshomes.org.uk
Voices From The Workhouse is a wide-ranging collection of first-hand accounts of the workhouse by those who knew it. Includes autobiography, letters, poetry, graffiti, inspection reports etc. — by inmates, staff, officials,and under-cover explorers. More....
Enjoyed this site?
The Workhouse Encyclopedia. A fully illustrated A to Z plus fact-filled appendices of workhouse locations, statistics, maps, records, museums etc.
Visit a workhouse museum
Think you know about workhouses — try the Workhouse Quiz.
Unless otherwise indicated, this page () is copyright Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.