Modern Histories

Have you been inspired by a visit to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum, volunteered or undertaken a work experience placement which has influenced you down a particular career path?

See the information about contributing to this project at the bottom of the page.

On 11 July 1853 Robert Bradfield the Union Schoolmaster...

 ...reported to the Board of Guardians that since the year 1845 to date, 88 boys had left the workhouse school and gone into service in several capacities and employment. This included:

Old photo of Children at Crumpsall Workhouse circa 1895 (public domain)

Although the museum has discovered some of the personal histories of these boys, it will never be known precisely what influence life and schooling in the workhouse had on their careers, or what their lives would have been like without being helped into those careers.

The Modern Histories Project

The Friends of Gressenhall Museum, in their 50th year, are documenting what impact the Museum has had on visitors, volunteers and staff in their subsequent life choices. 

If you have in some way been influenced by the Museum, or you know of someone who might be interested in contributing to this project, please do get in touch with us.

You can contact us via this website's  Contact form, email histories@friendsofgressenhall.org, or write to Friends of Gressenhall (MH), c/o Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum of Norfolk Life, Beetley, Dereham NR20 4DR. 

All information provided will be treated in strict confidence and no personal information will be shared or published without permission.  Any stories will be anonymised unless the person grants permission to publish their names and other details.  For more see our Data Privacy policy.