Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

The statues depict a brief moment in history, of Christopher High and his family. He was a farm labour from Whissonsett, who lived with his wife and seven children in a tiny cottage with only two rooms. The whole family slept in a bedroom nine feet wide by seven feet long.

In 1864 Christopher High's wife died. He could not look after his children and work at the same time, so his youngest children were ordered to enter the workhouse. It was agreed that Christopher and his eldest son could remain outside working, to help pay for the children's care in the workhouse. Mercifully, it was only two months later that Christopher was able to take this children home, benefiting from a charity providing proper beds and clothing.

It was the 1834 poor law amendment act which saw the introduction and standardisation of the workhouse for the relief of the poor. Conditions were fair but less than favourable (depending on your circumstances). The diet was largely of bread and gruel providing just enough nutrition to survive the  working week. Entry was not to be encouraged, however the inmates as they were called did at least receive regular meals and medical attention.

The children needed little encouragement to dress up in period costume and put on their glummest of faces (see extra), pretending that they were to be left at the workhouse!

You'll also see Dad's Army parading in the grounds as this weekend, saw a re-enactment of a village at war. It was all very well done indeed, complete with all kinds of wartime military and civilian vehicles and costume, including a spin selling nylons from a suitcase in a quiet corner. Recommended.