Morning Sun in Cherry Tree Cottage

I spent the morning at Gressenhall Workhouse Museum. Our U3A photoclub had a photoshoot there a couple of weeks ago but unfortunately I wasn't well and missed it.  As it's one of our 'subjects' for photos to share at our monthly meeting, I thought I would go there today and take a few photos.

Cherry Tree Cottage was built in 1853 to house elderly married couples.  This was the first relaxation of the strict rules about separation of inmates.  Families were split up and segregated when they arrived at the workhouse and kept apart for the duration of their stay.  Interestingly, the 'nightwear' draped over this clothes horse is beautifully sewn with delicate cut-work.  Nightwear like this today would be very expensive.

The extra is part of a display in the 'Norfolk life' area of the museum, where gardening implements are on display.  I like this advert for 'Glasshouse Shading'.

It's a fascinating museum and really brings home how harsh conditions were in the workhouse, it was deliberate, so that it would be a place of last resort for anyone.  The cafe is housed in the 'Itch Ward' which was built as confinement for any inmates who had contagious diseases. I was musing on this whilst enjoying an ice cream...a luxury that the inmates of the workhouse could only dream of.