The Thorne Workhouse, located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was built in 1838 to house and employ the local poor under the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. The imposing brick building served as a workhouse until 1939, providing basic accommodation and work for destitute individuals and families in exchange for food and shelter. During its operation, the workhouse housed hundreds of inmates, including the elderly, orphaned children, and those unable to support themselves.

The harsh conditions and strict regimes of workhouses like Thorne contributed to their reputation as places of misery and despair. Inmates were separated by gender and age, families were often split up, and the work was grueling. The workhouse later became Thorne Hospital before closing in the late 20th century.

Several ghost stories have emerged from the former workhouse over the years. Staff and visitors have reported hearing unexplained footsteps echoing through empty corridors and the sound of children crying when no children were present. Some have claimed to see the apparition of a stern-looking matron in Victorian-era clothing, believed to be a former workhouse employee still carrying out her duties.

In the building’s basement, where inmates were sometimes punished, people have reported feeling a sense of oppression and experiencing sudden temperature drops. There have also been accounts of shadowy figures seen darting between rooms and vanishing into walls.

One particularly chilling story involves the ghost of a young girl seen wandering the upper floors, allegedly searching for her mother after they were separated upon entering the workhouse. Witnesses have described her as wearing a tattered dress and appearing distraught.