A new Walsingham Union workhouse was erected in 1836, originally planned to be situated near Thursford Hall (Norfolk). The landowner (Sir Charles Chad), however, complained about the workhouse being "greatly prejudicial" to his interest. After some negotiations it was eventually decided that the complex should be built near Great Snoring, on a plot of land offered by Sir Charles as an alternative. The building was intended to accommodate 250 paupers and comprised an entrance range at the east (consisting of a porter's lodge, board room and offices), four accommodation wings for the various classes of inmate, and workshop buildings around the perimeter. The areas between the wings were divided into segregated exercise yards. A chapel stood to the east of the main building. The complex soon became known as the "Thursford Castle" and a stone at the south entrance bearing this name is still in place.
After closure of the workhouse in the 1930s, the buildings housed a smallpox hospital, and in the 1950s they were used by the Civil Defence. In 1961 planning approval was obtained for conversion into 35 flats. This, however, never materialised and the buildings have since been demolished. The derelict workhouse chapel is the largest structure that remains.
After closure of the workhouse in the 1930s, the buildings housed a smallpox hospital, and in the 1950s they were used by the Civil Defence. In 1961 planning approval was obtained for conversion into 35 flats. This, however, never materialised and the buildings have since been demolished. The derelict workhouse chapel is the largest structure that remains.
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