Former Workhouse, North Road, South Molton, Devon
The new South Molton Union workhouse was erected in 1837-38. It was built of stone, at a total cost of £4379 and could accommodate 230 inmates. The building was sited 'in a healthy spot' at the north-west of the town. The design was based on Kempthorne's "200-pauper" plan and consisted of a T-shaped entrance block which contained the Guardians' board-room. Behind this, the wings of a further T-shaped block provided separate accommodation for the different classes of inmate (male/female, old young etc.) On the morning of Saturday 19th November 1891 a fire was reported which tragically resulted in the deaths of three inmates. The old workhouse buildings were bought by George Wallace in 1978 and converted into a honey farm which became one of the top tourist attractions in the area.
