Purpose-built as an infirmary to the Southwell Union Workhouse in 1871-2. In mid-late C20 it became a residential care home. Six principal building phases of development have been identified. Phase 1 (1871-72) Construction of the southern two-thirds of the infirmary and outbuildings. The building comprises separate wards for men and women and ancillary accommodation for nurses. Phase 2 (1891-1900) Provision made for water-closets and bathrooms, replacing former earth-closets. Phase 3 (1914) Extension of the infirmary to the north adding four wards. Phase 4 (1930./40s) Construction of air-raid shelter. Phase 5 (1940s/50s) Addition of single-storey extensions to the east elevation and subdivision to create nurses’ bedrooms. Phase 6 (2012 and 2017) Alterations by the National Trust to form café, install new toilets, a kitchen partition walls to form offices. Originally the building had two identical entrances (separating men and women) and side wings with the day rooms on the ground floor and wards above. In the centre was a small office and kitchen, and accommodation above for nursing staff. The building was extended to the north in 1914. The survey has identified 25 different forms of wallpaper, paint and stencilled decoration. Externally the building has an understated presence…Internally the room layout and circulation spaces can still be understood in relation to the original design. There are good levels of survival of joinery details, doors and windows. (1)

<1> The Jessop Consultancy, 2017, Firbeck House, Southwell Workhouse – Historic Building survey (Unpublished document). SNT5902.