Much of the harshness associated with the workhouse was psychological: inmates were de-personalised through wearing a uniform and by the regimentation of the regime operated by the workhouse system. The timetable below shows a 'typical' day in the workhouse.
| Summer | Winter | |
| 5 a.m. | 6 a.m. | Rising bell |
| 6 a.m | 7 a.m. | Prayers and breakfast |
| 7 a.m. | 8 a.m. | Work |
| 12 noon | Dinner | |
| 1 p.m. | Work | |
| 6 p.m. | Prayers | |
| 7 p.m. | Supper | |
| 8 p.m. | Bed | |
Last modified 1 November 2002