The seven letters selected within this resource show a wealth of varied experiences of women inside the workhouse. The lesson can either use the letters in full or the teacher can select sections of the letters. Students are encouraged to analyse each letter, focusing on the treatment of women and their mental health.

Learning objectives:

• To investigate the varied experiences of women in the workhouse.
• To analyse and make inferences about a source.

Resources needed: Printed sources.

This lesson was created as part of the Voices of the Victorian Poor Teacher Scholar Programme.