Gressenhall 250: More than a Workhouse - anniversary project
In July 2027, Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse will mark 250 years since the building first opened. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Friends of Gressenhall, we will conduct new research, host temporary exhibitions, work with young people and create exciting, costumed events during the anniversary year.
About the anniversary
The site first opened in 1777 as a House of Industry - a central institution which provided for families and individual paupers from the surrounding areas. In 1836, it transitioned to Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse and, from the 1930s, operated as Beech House Public Assistance Institution. Following the creation of the NHS in 1948, it became Beech House County Care Home and provided emergency accommodation for 'evicted families' until its closure in 1975.
The site operated during huge changes to health and welfare in the UK. It was home to hundreds of staff and residents, many of whom represented the poorest and most vulnerable people in rural Norfolk at the time.
Through research, exhibitions and events, we plan to delve deeper into the full 250-year history, beyond the more well-known years as a Victorian workhouse.
Get involved!
Share your memories
Do you remember when Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse was a care home? Did you live, work, or visit here, or know someone else who did? We want to hear from you!
As part of this project, we'd love to hear from anyone with memories or photographs of the site during the 1940s-70s. Especially anyone with experience of the family accomodation. No story is too small!
Email [email protected] or call 01362 869263 for a friendly chat.
Bespoke Heritage Theatre Performance Piece
Deadline for submissions: 31 August 2026
Supported by funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are commissioning a new heritage performance piece to tell the story of Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse through key moments in its 250-year history as a House of Industry, Workhouse, and Care Home.
To find out more and to submit an application for consideration, Commission: Bespoke Heritage Theatre Performance Piece – ‘Gressenhall 250: More than a Workhouse’ (PDF, 810 KB).
Volunteer with us
We're recruiting a small team of home-based research volunteers to help us transcribe archival records and oral histories.
Researchers will be a pivotal part of the project, unearthing new information and contributing to exhibitions and events in 2027.
Find out more about volunteering.
Talks and outreach
Throughout the project, we will be offering free talks and workshops to community groups in Norfolk. If you'd like us to come and share about the history of the site and new research with your group, please do get in touch.
Email [email protected] to find out more.
Events and exhibitions
Keep an eye on our events listing to find out about the exciting activities, exhibitions and events taking place during our anniversary year in 2027.
