Architecture of Aid: From Workhouse to Hospital
Thackray Museum, 141 Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7LN
Discover the stories and lives behind the Leeds Union Workhouse in our new guided walking tour
The Leeds Union Workhouse was based on the site of Thackray and St James's Hospital. It was Leeds's largest workhouse, home to 800 inmates – 300 men and 450 women, working in harsh and unrelenting conditions.
But how did the workhouse become both Europe's largest teaching hospital and the UK's largest medical museum? To celebrate Heritage Open Day 2025, join us for a free guided walk around the grounds, exploring the history of the Victorian workhouse buildings - some still standing, some not - as well as the stories and lives of the inmates that lived inside.
Please note: this walk will involve standing for up to 10 minutes at a time, as well as walking between various buildings with low steps limiting accessibility. Some buildings are still in use at the hospital, so we cannot guarantee access to all of them.
Advance tickets for the talk include free admission to the museum galleries on the day of the event.
Timings & Tours
- Monday 15 September:
- 1100 & 1400
Location & directions
Thackray Museum, 141 Beckett Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS9 7LN
- Directions:
- The tour will gather inside the reception area before beginning. Please meet inside if you are attending.
- Contact on day:
- Joshua Ward
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Pre-booking required. Ticket includes museum admission on day of talk.
- Booking website:
- https://thackraymuseum.co.uk/whatson/
- Booking opens:
- 04 Aug 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 16 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Parking can be limited on site.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 20
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
