The workhouse, built in 1777 on Hoe Common for £15,000, was one of the earliest Houses of Industry erected in Norfolk.

The main block of the building was H-shaped. The main south façade has a pediment with a clock and a wooden cupola. A long L-shaped wing projects eastwards from the main block. This wing also dates back to 1777, but it was initially separate from the main block. An open, arched arcade was running along the east wing’s ground floor, which was bricked up in the 19th century.

The east wing was originally used for ‘cottages’, or apartments for married couples. In the 19th century, the east wing was used for dormitories and day rooms, and in 1871, it became the infirmary. In 1835, alterations to the workhouse were carried out, including the construction of the boundary wall and internal walls that created a series of separate yards.

In 1853, Cherry Tree Cottage was built to provide accommodation for elderly married couples. The chapel, built in Gothic Revival style in 1868 was designed by R. M. Phipson. A separate fever ward was built in the 1870s. The other outbuildings around the complex are of 19th century date.

The workhouse was known as Union House and Beech House (from the early 20th century). The building ceased to be a workhouse in 1948, when it became an old people’s home. In 1975 the building was transferred to NMAS, and the Norfolk Rural Life Museum opened in 1976.

On your paranormal investigation at Gressenhall you will get to walk in the footsteps of those who once lived and worked at the workhouse. You will get to investigate, The main museum,  The chapel, Cherry tree cottage, the school house and the laundry which is still home to some of the original equipment.

Our previous investigations here have proved to be active with spooky happenings, strange lights seen moving around the building, doors opening on their own, the sounds of children’s voices and laughter, footsteps are also often heard here, some have reported being touched by unseen hands, paranormal electronics are triggered  and many have captured a photo of what appears to be a young boy out in the grounds of the workhouse.