On the whole workhouses were designed to be very grim and unwelcoming, and much like prisons.
They were referred to with dread and loathing and often called "bastilles".

Here is a photograph of the workhouse at Llanfyllin.

Rooms were cold and people huddled together for warmth. Walls were bare except for the rules and regulations.
Windows were often six feet off the ground with window sills that sloped downwards to prevent anybody using them as seats to look out.

An early engraving of Llanfyllin workhouse is shown below.

Back to Powys workhouses map