Defying Dickens: Demystifying the Workhouse with Penny Griffiths-Morgan

History Rage

**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNNIG**

This week on History Rage, we're tearing down the grim facade of the Victorian workhouse and revealing the truths that lie beneath its infamous reputation. Historian, writer, and host of the Haunted Histories podcast, Penny Griffiths Morgan, joins us to dismantle the Dickensian narrative and shed light on the realities of this early welfare institution.

**Part 1: The Workhouse Myths**

- Debunking the myth of the workhouse as a prison for the poor.

- Understanding the voluntary nature of workhouse entry and the concept of the "workhouse test."

**Part 2: The Daily Grind**

- A look at the regimented but purposeful daily life within the workhouse walls.

- Exploring the work assigned to able-bodied residents and the support provided for the elderly and infirm.

**Part 3: From Casuals to Inmates**

- The stark contrast between the treatment of casuals (vagrants) and long-term workhouse residents.

- How the workhouse system evolved over time, including improvements in healthcare and education.

**Part 4: Beyond the Stereotypes**

- Challenging the long-held stigmas and uncovering the workhouse's role in the development of modern welfare.

- The surprising amenities and opportunities that the workhouse provided.

**Part 5: Conclusion and Takeaways**

- Reflecting on the complex history of the workhouse and the importance of historical context.

- Encouraging a re-evaluation of Victorian welfare and the legacy of institutions like workhouses.

Join us as Penny passionately argues that the workhouse, while far from perfect, was not the draconian institution of popular belief, but rather a flawed yet crucial step towards the social safety nets we recognize today.

Discover more about Penny's intriguing blend of history and the paranormal on the Haunted Histories podcast and follow her on Twitter @PGMorg.

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