NHER 14153 (Monument record) - Site of King's Lynn Union Workhouse

This Union workhouse was constructed in 1856 to replace the workhouse at St James Chapel (NHER 5484), which collapsed in 1854. Designed by Medland and Mabely and built by Charles Bennett, it was constructed of dark orange bricks with cream ornamentation. It was designed to accommodate 468 inmates. Separate accommodation was provided for vagrants, a chapel was situated above the dining room, and an infirmary was situated a short distance from the main building. In 1882, a new receiving ward was also constructed. The main wing still survives and is now St James' Hospital (NHER 63519).
Original information from KLM.
Additional information from Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse Museum.
Updated H. Hamilton (HES), 28 May 2014.

According to (S1) the 3.5 acres of land on which this workhouse was built was sold to the Board of Guardians by Joseph Cooper for £1,100. (S2) explains the building programme in detail, and notes that the first stone was laid by the Rev. John Bransby, master of the Grammar School, on 16 July 1855. The building was completed on 24 June 1856, at a total cost of £13,545. The complex included a large chapel and detached infirmary block to the rear (north). The building was able to accommodate 468 inmates, with separation of the sexes, but also of the able-bodied from the infirm, and of young from old. A receiving ward was added in 1882 at a cost of £1,250.
See (S2) for further details.
A. Cattermole (King's Lynn UAD), 23 July 2019.

It is not clear when this site ceased to be a workhouse, but it may be as late as 1948 when the Poor Law was finally abolished. The entire workhouse complex including the main block, chapel, infirmary, and receiving ward are all still visible on an Ordnance Survey map of 1952. It is unclear when the subsidiary buildings were demolished. The only remaining part of the Union Workhouse is St James' Clinic which is recorded separately - see NHER 63519.
A. Cattermole (King's Lynn UAD), 23 July 2019.