Upcoming Events

Come to the Workhouse Museum and see our new main block building. The main block features the master and matron's quarters, inmates' kitchen, the dining room and the male and female dormitories. Over the summer we will opening the master's section, inmates' dining room and parts of the female wing to the public. Over the…

Location: Workhouse main block

Visit the Georgian Courthouse Museum for the trial of three pickpockets from 1856. Three girls aged 12, 13 and 14 were caught stealing from shops and pickpocketing – just like the Artful Dodgers gang from Oliver Twist. Take part in the trial and be sent for punishment, just like the three girls who didn’t manage to dodge justice. The pop along to…

Workhouse Museum

Join expert archivist Anthony Hughes from North Yorkshire County Record Office as he leads you through a journey of discovery of local archival treasures. Find out how to use local records and take an intriguing glance into Ripon's past. Sat 26 Aug 2-3pm at The Workhouse Museum, Ripon. Tickets ​£5 per person, please book online ro via…

This is the perfect time for picking vegetables and preserving them. Try your hand at pickling and preserving fruit and vegetables from the Workhouse Garden. Find out about the piglets in the piggery that the Workhouse boys looked after - and best of all, take home your own pickle. Most activities are included free with your ticket into the…

Workhouse Museum

A special FREE event for Heritage Open Day! A body has been found at the Workhouse! Is it murder? Find out who dunnit by following the clues through the Main Block of Ripon Workhouse. Using techniques that Victorian detectives had available, work out whether it was the Master in Schoolroom with an Abacus or the Porter in the Pantry with…

Workhouse Museum

Discover the punishments of the past with family activities. Have a go at the cranking machine in the Prison and Police Museum, learn more about stone breaking duties in the Workhouse and the harsh sentences doled out in the Courthouse. Not quite the 'Good Old Days!'