An unusual example of Britain's harsh past has proved a big success for a Nottinghamshire town.

Southwell Workhouse is the country's best preserved example of what was once a national institution.

In its first year since opening as a museum, visitor numbers at the workhouse have far exceeded expectations.

The grade II listed building was bought by the National Trust in 1997 to stop it becoming apartments and was subsequently awarded �2.25m in lottery funding.

Positive impact

Built in 1824, the workhouse is the best preserved in England.

A total of 60,000 people visited the workhouse in its first year, 20,000 more than predicted.

Susanna Smith from the workhouse said: "We really tried to take the local economy into account right the way through.

"The project started way back in 1997 and we involved traders to make sure the impact was positive."

More visitors

The workhouse is closed for the winter but will reopen in spring.

Elsewhere in the town, Southwell Minster recorded 10,000 more visitors than last year.

Myra Shackley from the minster said: "We are always happy to welcome more visitors.

"We are sometimes overlooked compared to the cathedrals at Lincoln and York so it has helped to put us on the map."