09/07/2026
Members of Camberley 41 Club recently visited The Spike in Guildford. The Spike was a workhouse established in 1838 to help the forgotten classes of Victorian England – the poor, the infirm, the ill, and the destitute. We learned about the history of the building and the harsh lives of those who had no choice but to rely on the services it provided. In 1906, the building we visited was purpose-built to separate the “undesirables” and their disruptive influence from the structured routine of the workhouse.
A few of us stepped into the cells to experience what life might have been like for the unfortunate souls who had to stay there, and we were pleased to leave safely afterward to enjoy a delicious cream tea with scones and jam... mmmm. The undesirables amongst us were lucky to escape.
Many thanks to The Spike team for their warm hospitality and the excellent talks given by their knowledgeable guides.
