Mary Mouse at The Workhouse

There is a special treat for children visiting The Workhouse, Southwell, when the National Trust property opens its doors for the 2014 season on Wednesday 19th February. A new children’s guide and character-led trails will be available for younger visitors and their families to try for the first time.

Mary, a pauper mouse and George, the Master’s cat help children explore the building’s nooks and crannies, as they follow the charmingly illustrated guide. The free guide is complemented by four new trails representing pauper characters Joseph Disney, Kate Parker and Master and Matron. On completion children can collect a special stamp at reception.

The guide and trails have been developed with the help of Maddie Ball, aged 11, who is a member of the three generation Ball family, all of whom volunteer at The Workhouse.

“I’ve really enjoyed working on the new guide”, says Maddie, “I can’t wait to see other children try out the trails and see if they can find the answers to the questions”.

There is something to interest all visitors this coming season. Highlights for the early part of the year include: a new exhibition of Workhouse costumes ‘Paupers, Petticoats and Pinafores’ opening 2nd April, ‘Discover Greet House’ on 9th and 16th April, ‘Murder at the Workhouse’ storytelling event on 16th and 17th May and a ‘Taste of Volunteering’ session on 4th June. More details for these and other events, as well as opening times and prices can be found at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse