Grant given for work on Southwell Workhouse

A grant of £365,000 has been given to the National Trust for a new project at Southwell Workhouse.

The money will be used for the trust’s latest development, Re-imagining The Workhouse, that will focus on Firbeck House, which was used as an infirmary.

The building will be used for a project looking at how society has addressed the issues of social welfare, education and healthcare since Victorian times.

The site’s history will be considered, along with its strengths and weaknesses, and there will be comparisons to present day support for vulnerable people.

The grant has come from Wellcome, a global charitable foundation that aims to improve healthcare and is the first to be made to the National Trust.

The general manager of the workhouse, Sara Blair-Manning, said: “It is an indication of the importance of the project and confidence in it.”

Mr Tom Ziessen, of Wellcome, said the project would provide an important insight into how welfare and healthcare support was provided to the poor.

“This is still a crucial issue today and we hope that historical reflection can encourage debate about health and welfare support now and in the future, particularly for those most vulnerable in society.”

Newark Emmaus Trust, which provides accommodation and training for young people, will be involved with the project.

Work is due to start this autumn ready for opening to the public by spring 2019.