Almshouse news and stories

We would like to share with you some of the interesting articles and stories about our member charities and news about the almshouse movement today in our posts below.

The historical aspect of almshouse charities and the legacy of their benefactors are considerable so it is hardly surprising that they are able to present a wide variety of stories and anecdotes ranging from their inception to the present day. There are cases where residents dress in the unusual “uniform” which is unique to their charity and others where splendid architectural features have been unearthed and restored.

The titles of many almshouses have wonderful names: The Eight Men of Broadclyst, The Sisters of Castle Rising and Twitty’s Almshouses, to name a few. Aside from their titles and history, however, the common factor shared amongst all almshouses is that today they continue to provide comfortable and secure homes for those in need, in friendly communities – something they have done for centuries.

MP visits award-winning almshouse development

Cambridge charity, Girton Town Charity (GTC), hosted a visit from its local MP on Thursday 28th August to showcase its...
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A century of care in St Day

WJ Mills Cottages Trust celebrates 100th anniversary with a Cornish feast and unveiling of commemorative plaque One hundred years ago,...
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From bequest to build: the journey of Elbourn Memorial Housing Trust

CASE STUDY: How a village trust partnered with developers, overcame challenges and delivered new homes In 2023 South Cambridgeshire District...
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Paul Mullis: Does size matter?

Durham Aged Miners Housing Association (DAMHA) CEO and Almshouse Association Board Trustee, Paul Mullis recently posted a great blog on...
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Five centuries on: a new orchard for Roger Reede almshouses

On 8th July 2025, residents, trustees and guests were joined by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Sue Ospreay, to celebrate...
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Pilgrimage of compassion to support almshouses and elderly Ukrainians

The Bishop of Bath and Wells is joining a big fundraising walk for Wells Almshouse Charity and Humanity & Inclusion...
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The James Charities: new almshouse development on track for Christmas opening

In October 2024, we had the great pleasure of reporting on the start of The James Charities’ major redevelopment in...
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Founders Day at St John’s Foundation

This June, St John's Foundation in Bath were thrilled to gather for their annual Founders Day, an uplifting tradition that...
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Chairman joins Leander Almshouses’ 100-Year Celebration

July 2025 - Willie Hartley Russell, Chairman of The Almshouse Association, visited the Leander Almshouses in Manningtree, Essex, to mark...
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Almshouse resident Kay turns 102!

On Friday, 22 August 2025, Kay (Catherine) Simmonds, a resident of Bedford Morison and Cordery Almshouse Charity for 17 years,...
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Almshouses featured on BBC’s The One Show

Showcasing a community-centred solution to the housing crisis We were delighted to see almshouses featured in The One Show's segment...
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John Higgott’s Almshouses embracing sustainability in a historic setting

Case Study: An Almshouse Association loan for ÂŁ50,000 supports the re-roofing of John Higgott's Almshouses, together with installation of solar...
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