In 1905, building work began to construct a purpose built Casual’s Ward to separate the ‘undesirable’ vagrants and their disruptive influence from the structured routine of the main Workhouse and its inmates. With their filthy clothes, crude language and coarse behaviour, they live a lonely, miserable existence, but for a vagrant in 1906, it’s a way of life.........
- See a work cell and what a vagrant had to do to earn his keep
- Explore the lives of the Spike inmates and ‘types’ that stayed here
- Learn about the treatment of the homeless, past and present
- Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Casual’s Ward

For small groups and individuals:
We are open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 until 16:00 for guided yours (last tour starts at 15:00) Tours last typically one hour after which you are free to explore the building for yourself.

Larger Group Tours:
On days other than Tuesdays and Saturdays, we welcome pre-booked groups (minimum 10) for tours and events at the Spike.
The guided tours of the Spike present a unique opportunity for learning at all ages. We welcome groups to come and discover the site and engage in history.
If you are a school then we offer so much more than History! The Spike makes a great core material for many other curriculum subjects, write about it, test your maths with traditional units of measure and currency and don’t forget Social History. We have well tested lesson plans to cover many KS1 and KS2 subjects.
If you are an adult group then why not come on one of our extended tours and discuss what you have discovered over post tour refreshments. For larger parties (20 or more) we can complete the morning with a buffet luncheon.

During the winter months please call to make sure we are open.

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See and Do

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