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.
Think you know about workhouses — try the Workhouse Quiz.
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 Diverse writing by those with first-hand knowledge — as inmate, staff, official, visitor, or under-cover journalist. More....
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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
Unless otherwise indicated, this page () is copyright Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.