Digwyddiad Llenyddol / Literary Event
Based on his 2003 book, “Swansea and the Workhouse”, local historian Bernard Lewis will outline the major changes that were made to the Poor Law during the 1830s. Was the workhouse really a Pauper Palace?
Despite a frenzy of workhouse building across the United Kingdom after the changes, it took the Swansea Board of Poor Law Guardians almost 30 years before it erected a new workhouse, a building that was promptly dubbed “The Pauper Palace” by the local Press.
Bernard will explain how you could get into the Swansea Workhouse and how you could get out of it, as well as looking at the food provided, the disciplinary regime, the tasks of work to be performed by the inmates and the education of pauper children.
Please note:
- The talk will be presented in the Old Works Library (now our second-hand bookshop) which is on the left as you enter the Aberdulais site - Neath, SA10 8EU
- Bring a picnic for after the event, and enjoy exploring the industrial heritage of Aberdulais (Free guided tours may be available on the day).
- The site is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies.
- Suitable for children interested in history.
Ticket options
Based on his 2003 book, “Swansea and the Workhouse”, local historian Bernard Lewis will outline the major changes that were made to the Poor Law during the 1830s. Was the workhouse really a Pauper Palace?
Despite a frenzy of workhouse building across the United Kingdom after the changes, it took the Swansea Board of Poor Law Guardians almost 30 years before it erected a new workhouse, a building that was promptly dubbed “The Pauper Palace” by the local Press.
Bernard will explain how you could get into the Swansea Workhouse and how you could get out of it, as well as looking at the food provided, the disciplinary regime, the tasks of work to be performed by the inmates and the education of pauper children.
Please note:
- The talk will be presented in the Old Works Library (now our second-hand bookshop) which is on the left as you enter the Aberdulais site - Neath, SA10 8EU
- Bring a picnic for after the event, and enjoy exploring the industrial heritage of Aberdulais (Free guided tours may be available on the day).
- The site is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies.
- Suitable for children interested in history.
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