A Day in the Workhouse

Come on now, look lively and stand up straight, you’re about to meet the matron! She’ll be your guide as you learn what life was like at the Victorian workhouse. Make sure you visit the chapel before stirring
up the gruel.

What will my students do in this session?

They must ask permission to come into the workhouse from the board of Guardians (their adults), don a provided uniform, attend the workhouse chapel and have a taste of a daily routine.
Using the stories of real inmates of Leeds Union workhouse, students will visit the workhouse chapel and try their hand at oakum picking, gruel making and playtime, workhouse style.

Key Information
• Price: £9.40 per pupil
• Age: Key Stage 2
• Length: 2 hours
• Location: Workhouse chapel (if available) and Tarsal
• Maximum capacity: 36 students

Curriculum links
• History – Aspect or theme in British history that extends pupil’s chronological knowledge beyond 1066’ and ‘Local history study’
• PSHCE