Sweeping the yard

Sweeping the yard

Southwell Workhouse

This photograph shows a re-enactor portraying a female inmate at Southwell workhouse undertaking the type of work that was given to women. She is sweeping the yard with a besom broom. Her drab, shapeless clothing is made of coarse fabric. She is wearing metal-trimmed wooden clogs.

The building itself is a forbidding edifice, intended to discourage people from applying for poor relief. Only two of the three storeys can be seen here. The scullery is behind her; the women's day rooms were located on the ground floor; dormitories were on the first and second floors.

Photograph by Marjie Bloy