Heritage Open Days - At The Workhouse

About

Saturday 9 - 10 September 2023 | 10.30am - 4pm

Saturday 9 September: 10.30am - 4pm, last admission at 3pm, Outside Tour 11am,12.30am & 1pm
Sunday 10 September: 10.30am -4pm, last admission at 3pm, Outside Tour 11am,12.30am & 1pm

The Workhouse

Tickets: Free

Come and discover what life was like for people who sought refuge at The Workhouse & Infirmary. Learn the stories of those who lived and worked here and how this evolved over time, with the site providing shelter for those in need up until the 1980s.

Behind every door is a story and the Workhouse and Infirmary bears witness to over 160 years of changing social policy and attitudes towards the poor and vulnerable in society. Built in 1824 for up to 158 inmates, the Workhouse is one of the best-preserved examples of the hundreds of workhouses built across the country. This Heritage Open Day sees the exciting launch of our new genealogy research, showcasing fascinating stories and discoveries all linked to the 1921 census and our partnership with Find My Past. Walk up the paupers’ path and come and unearth what life was like for the people who sought refuge here. Meet a costumed interpreter, chat to a room guide, take a tour (limited spaces), complete a children’s trail, dress up and write on a slate in the school room, play some old-fashioned games, explore the theme of identity with the Midland Textile Forum’s evocative exhibition, have a wander outside in the kitchen garden, walk in the historic infirmary wards or relax in our second-hand bookshop and café. There is so much here to discover and learn.

Current exhibitions: The Midlands Forum Textile Exhibition on the theme of Identity and The Workhouse; The Women’s Quilt and The Leighann Wightman Quilt which focus on domestic abuse.