Building record 1221/0/18 - Potterspury Union Workhouse

Potterspury Union Workhouse was built in 1837 to an unusual design. It was a long U-shaped building of rendered stone with slate roofs. A school, dormitories and accommodation for the school mistress was added in 1872. Alterations to the buildings were carried out in 1910. The buildings have now (2005) been converted into housing. [Also known as: Mount Pleasant]

{1} Identified by South Northamptonshire Council as being a building of historic and/or architectural significance.

{3} Eden, in his report of 1797, identified a workhouse already present in Yardley Gobion. Only two people were recorded there. The Potterspury Union (formed in 1835) adopted an existing building at Yardley Gobion, probably the one referred to by Eden. Enlargement and adaptation cost £2,150. The upgraded workhouse could accommodate up to 200 residents. The main building had a U-shaped arrangement of buildings. In 1848 an old hovel at the rear was converted to a casual ward and part of the workhouse yard was used to store the village fire engine. A new laundry was added in 1850. In 1866 the casual ward was closed. The workhouse buildings were sold off in 1922.

<1> SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL, 2012, South Northamptonshire Council Survey of Significant Historic Buildings, (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN108984.

<2> Morrison K., 1999, The Workhouse: A Study Of Poor-Law Buildings In England, p. 208 (Book). SNN100282.

<3> Higginbotham P., 2021, The Workhouse: The Story of an Institution…, Potterspury, Northamptonshire [Accessed 06/04/2022] (Website). SNN112832.

Record last edited

Feb 17 2025 7:14PM