25 September 2026 (past event)
- 14:00 to 15:00
Talk
Tyranny and oppression in the English and Welsh workhouse, 1780–1930
Discover how the central and local state tried to control the lives of the poorest citizens of England and Wales.
- Date
- 25 September 2026
- Location
- Online
About this image
The New Poor Law poster, around 1834. Catalogue reference: HO 44/27
Important information
This event will discuss historical violence. Whilst this will be dealt with sensitively the content may not be suitable for all. Our collections contain ideas, language and imagery from original records which reflect historical viewpoints and attitudes. Some may be considered offensive. However, we think it important to show them here as accurate representations of the record to help us understand the past.
From systemic harassment, ritual humiliation and the loss of freedom, these actions of petty tyranny became entrenched within workhouse regimes under both the Old and New Poor Laws creating ‘punitive expectations’ in successive generations of poor families.
Focusing on the period from the 1780s through to the outbreak of the First World War, Paul Carter from The National Archives and Steve King from Nottingham Trent University will discuss how these everyday measures led to the creation of a framework of oppression in disciplining the poor.
Event details
- Date
- 25 September 2026, 14:00 to 15:00
- Price
-
Free
Pay what you can
- Location
- Online, Live-streamed on Vimeo
This event has sold out.
Dates for this event
How to join online
What you need to join
This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.
When you book, you will receive an email that includes the link you need to join the event. This link will also be shared with you in a reminder email in advance of the event.
- Vimeo provide guidance on How to watch a live event.
- You do not need a Vimeo account to join. If you do sign up for a Vimeo account, please be aware you may be asked to verify your age. You can find out more here: About age verification in the UK and EU
- You can join from your browser from a laptop or mobile device.
- For the best experience we recommend using either a laptop or desktop computer.
Help during the event
To access the live event, click on the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email you received when you booked the event. Vimeo will open in your web browser.
- If the live event hasn’t started at the advertised start time, please refresh your browser window and click the play button on the event again. If that doesn’t work, try closing the browser window and clicking the link in your confirmation email again.
- You can enable live subtitles by clicking on the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video player. ‘CC’ stands for ‘Closed Captions’.
- When you join the event, you may have to click on the sound icon at the bottom of the video to unmute the sound. If there is still no sound, please make sure that you have got your speakers turned up to full volume.
- If you have a query that has not been answered above, please email us at whatson@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Watch after the event
This talk will be available to watch after the event, using the same link you will receive to join it live. It will remain available for a limited period of 48 hours after the event has finished, unless otherwise stated.
