Hill House, Pulham Market, Norfolk
This building was originally the Depwade Union Workhouse. It was built in 1836 at a cost of £8,240 and could accommodate 400 inmates. The architect was William Thorold who based his design on Sampson Kempthorne's model cruciform (cross-shaped) plan (1835). In 1844 an attempt was made to burn down Depwade workhouse as a result of unrest caused by the unpopular "ticket" system. Unemployed labourers were given a ticket to take round to local employers. If no work was available, the employer would sign the ticket to that effect. Weekly poor relief would only be given to those submitting properly completed tickets. After 1930, the workhouse passed into the hands of the local authority and was renamed Depwade Public Assistance Institution. Between 1948 and 1955 it was known as Hill House Hospital and then as Hill House County Home.
