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Digwyddiad Llenyddol / Literary Event

Based on his 2003 book, “Swansea and the Workhouse”, local historian Bernard Lewis will outline the major changes that were made to the Poor Law during the 1830s. Was the workhouse really a Pauper Palace?

  • Booking advisable

Despite a frenzy of workhouse building across the United Kingdom after the changes, it took the Swansea Board of Poor Law Guardians almost 30 years before it erected a new workhouse, a building that was promptly dubbed “The Pauper Palace” by the local Press. Bernard will explain how you could get into the Swansea Workhouse and how you could get out of it, as well as looking at the food provided, the disciplinary regime, the tasks of work to be performed by the inmates and the education of pauper children.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All Bernard Lewis Workhouse Talk£0.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Suitable for children interested in history.

Meeting point

The talk will be presented in the Old Works Library (now our second-hand bookshop) which is on the left as you enter the Aberdulais site - Neath, SA10 8EU

What to bring and wear

Bring a picnic for after the event, and enjoy exploring the industrial heritage of Aberdulais (Free guided tours may be available on the day)

Accessibility

The site is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies.

Contact info

Aberdulais Events Team

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Event summary

on
8 May to 4 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 12:00
+ 17 other dates or times