THE WORKHOUSE

THE WORKHOUSE

Many agricultural workers were employed on a temporary basis from Michaelmas until the harvest of the following year had been gathered in. The cottages they inhabited were tied to their work. So, if a worker was not hired at Michaelmas, or was too old or infirm to be useful, he could apply to the workhouse for accommodation and employment.

THURSFORD CASTLE

The Walsingham Union workhouse was erected in 1836 at Great Snoring. The new building was originally planned to be situated near Thursford Hall but the landowner (Sir Charles Scott- Chad) complained about the workhouse being "greatly prejudicial" to his interest. It was eventually decided to build the complex near Great Snoring on a plot of land offered by Sir Charles as an alternative. Expenditure on construction was £5 900 and the building was intended to accommodate 250 inmates.

The complex soon became known as the "THURSFORD CASTLE" and a stone at the south entrance bearing this name is still in place

20th September 1915

The Rector visits Union House at Walsingham and reports that all is in good order