History Unpacked

Dark History of the Victorian Workhouse


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Step inside the world of the Victorian workhouse, a place designed to shelter the poor but remembered for its harsh conditions. Families were torn apart, children forced into labor, and the elderly left in bleak dormitories. In this episode, we uncover how workhouses operated under the Poor Law, why they became symbols of cruelty, and how they shaped society in 19th-century Britain. Discover the daily struggles of those trapped inside, the punishments they faced, and the system’s long-lasting impact. Join us as we explore the grim history of the Victorian workhouse.

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History UnpackedBy Englishthroughhistory