Romance is not what comes to mind when you think about Workhouse life but a surprise is in store for visitors when the National Trust property in Southwell opens its doors for the new season on St Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14 February 2015.

A poignant love letter from a local girl to her boyfriend in Newark, uncovered in the 1970s bedsit will be on show together with images of past Masters and Matrons, who were required to be a married couple. There are fascinating stories of love and loss, all uncovered by volunteers researching the archives and through oral history interviews.

The Workhouse first opened to the public in 2002 after the National Trust saved the site from development and continues to be a unique part of the organisation’s portfolio bringing social history to life through the stories of those who lived and worked in the Victorian institution.

‘We are excited about the new season and are looking forward to welcoming our 500,000th visitor during the first couple of weeks of opening’, says Harriet Downing, Visitor Services Manager, ‘ we are planning a special experience and gift for the lucky person to celebrate this milestone’. ‘There is something for younger visitors too, as they can discover more about the lives of Master and Matron through a new trail launching during February half term’, she adds.

For more information about future events, opening times and prices (which have been held at last year’s level) see www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse or phone 01636 817260.