Former Workhouse, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset
This former workhouse dates from 1784. In 1871 it was condemned as unfit and dangerous by the Poor Law Board and replaced by a new workhouse in the Fairmile area of the town. This building was sold to the vicar of Christchurch Priory, the Reverend Bush, in 1886. Bush made alterations to the building and lived there until 1909. It was then bought by the Druitt family. In 1947 Charlotte Druitt donated the building, along with her brother’s enormous historical collection, to the people of Christchurch for use as a museum. The Red House Museum and Gardens opened to the public in 1952.
