What is a workhouse?

Question

What is a workhouse?

Answer 1

An institution in England in the 1800s that housed paupers and other people unable to care for themselves and run by the local government.

It wasn't much fun, conditions were very basic and restrictive and if you were able bodied they made you perform some menial task.

Answer 2

From the 1600's - this is where the really poor people went - they worked for bed and rations.  The stories are often horrific.

They may have had them in other countries.

Have a look at this link:

www.workhouses.org.uk