25 September 2026
- 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
Dates for this event
How to join online
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This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.
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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.
