On the Parish: Life in the Victorian Workhouse
Luke Mouland
- Regions:
- Dorset, Somerset
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £50+ (to be discussed)
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 11th April 2025
- Tagged:
- Heritage | Social History | Workhouses | Victorians
The Victorian workhouse still evokes powerful images of fear and hardship but what evidence do we have that life in "the Union" was really so dire? This talk draws on stories from a number of Dorset's workhouses to illustrate what daily life was like for inmates and shows how the very design of the workhouse was intended to discourage the needy from seeking refuge within.
Feedback from audiences:
"Luke is a superb speaker with a tremendous knowledge of his subject. The audience was completely engaged with the moving and compulsive stories of people who experienced the harsh realities of the workhouse." (Anne Brown, Learning Manager, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum)
"Luke's talk was extremely interesting and informative, and was peppered with stories about the privations endured by inmates and the punitive conditions under which they lived. It was very well received and we hope to invite him again to talk about one of the other subjects he covers." (Sarah Colmer, President, Colmer WI)
Views: 353 | Enquiries: 3About Luke Mouland
Luke Mouland is a freelance genealogist, researcher and speaker based in North Dorset. During the last 15 years, he has undertaken research projects for a range of clients, including probate solicitors, authors, and the BBC's hit TV series, 'Who Do You Think You Are?' He has had articles published in a number of magazines, including Dorset Life, Dorset Magazine, and Discover Your Ancestors.
Luke is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees at Sherborne Museum, where he also works as an archives volunteer, helping to catalogue and manage the archive collections.
A seasoned public speaker, his previous engagements have included Blackmore Vale & Yeovil National Trust Association; Dorset Archives Trust; Colmer Women's Institute, Bridport; East Dorset Heritage Trust; National Trust South Dorset Association; Red House Museum & Gardens, Christchurch; Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum; and Somerset & Dorset Family History Society.
Luke's talks are fully illustrated and, where possible, can be tailored to suit the venue. He is self-sufficient in terms of equipment and usually requires only a screen to project onto.
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