People are invited to learn about the lives of workhouse inmates and staff at a special event.

On Saturday, September 21, 'Workhouse Lives' will be celebrated at Y Dolydd, Llanfyllin Workhouse.

The event will feature presentations from the Church Stretton Area Local History Group and the Meifod Local History Group, who published books earlier this year based on their research into inmates, staff, and the history of Llanfyllin Workhouse.

The Church Stretton Area Local History Group's book, 'Could be Worse,' focuses on 86 inmates and staff of Church Stretton Workhouse recorded in the 1881 census.

It explores their backgrounds, reasons for being in the workhouse, and their fates.

The Meifod Local History Group's book, 'Masters and Matrons,' tells the story of Llanfyllin Workhouse through the lives of the men and women who ran it from 1839 to 1982.

It aims to dispel the myth that most workhouse masters were cruel.

The authors will describe their discoveries and share how they carried out their studies, using publicly available sources.

There will also be news about a new project investigating the workhouse's school, schoolmasters, mistresses, and children from its opening in 1841 to its closure in 1877.

The workhouse schools were the first state schools in Britain, and their history is little known.

Volunteers are needed to take part in this new project.

The programme will run from 10.30am for 11.00am until 3.00pm, with a range of historical displays on view.

Refreshments will be served at the Meadows Café – Caffi Y Dolydd – with lunch available.

An optional tour of the Workhouse is offered at 3.00pm.

The charge for the day is £3 and places can be booked by emailing info@ydolydd.co.uk.