The Workhouse at Llanfyllin was begun in 1838 and finished in 1840. It was designed by the architect Thomas Penson who closely followed the Poor Law Commission's model. The wings are lower as it was intended for only 250 paupers. But the plan is very similar.
Among its distinctive features are: - separate wings to house men women and children, with a fourth for the dining room, - separate courtyards for men, women, boys and girls, - at the hub a house for the Master and his wife the Matron, octagonal in shape so that the windows gave a clear view of each courtyard - high walls or buildings all round
The building is unusually well preserved, though some walls and workshops at the back have been pulled down and many windows have been enlarged.