Discover how the central and local state tried to control the lives of the poorest citizens of England and Wales in the workhouse, 1780–1930.

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.

When

Friday 25 September 2026, 2pm – 3pm

Tickets

Free, book at eventbrite.co.uk.