Ripon Workhouse Museum

This museum is housed in the former Male Vagrants section of a workhouse site dating back to 1776, with the present structure completed in 1855. Here you'll see the 14 cells where these unfortunates were locked in for the night - a harsh touch of reality and insight into what poverty once meant.

By 1832, Ripon had 33 inmates - men, women and children - all of whom, with one exception, would spend 8 hours a day breaking stones to mend roads (the exception was 68 and too frail). Otherwise it was a self-sufficient community, with a teacher, chaplain and doctors, transport, an infirmary and vegetable garden.

The Welfare State saw an overhaul of its dingy, repressive surroundings and its warm and light atmosphere is now used as a centre for Social Services.

The 'Hard Times Gallery' contains photographs and information about what life was like for the poor, both in the Workhouse and outside it. An audio-visual presentation prepares the visitor for the displays to be seen throughout the museum.

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