Atkinson’s Almshouse Charity in London was established in 1679 with a legacy from Samuel Atkinson.  The original almshouses had been destroyed in 1940 and been rebuilt in the 1950s and 1970s but they in very poor condition. In 2005 the charity merged with the Day’s Almshouse charity and Trustees consulted with The Almshouse Association to apply for a Social Housing Grant to fund the project.

The almshouses were in poor condition so most residents were keen to have new homes, even though it would mean moving out during the renovation. They were consulted at every stage of the process and given the opportunity to choose kitchen fittings, floor coverings and colours. Art competitions were encouraged in local schools and adult art classes.

Day’s and Atkinson’s new building provides a semi cloistered development around communal gardens. The charity has replaced 6 one-bedroom almshouses in a poor state of repair with 15 new homes. Preservation was a key objective and several artefacts and wall plaques from the original almshouses were restored and re-located. New heritage features include gable roundels and a bronze sundial, a commemorative wall plaque celebrating the laying of the foundation stone, and an historical information board.

Almshouse resident, Lindsay and daughters enjoying the residents Christmas Party

There are now 34 residents whose lives have been transformed by comfortable new homes in a close-knit and supportive community.  In keeping with the true spirit of the almshouse movement, good use is being made of the communal meeting room where all the residents have come together to hold children’s birthday parties, christenings and even a wedding.  With the recent birth of 2 baby girls, the age span of the residents now extends from a few days old to almost 84 years old!

One of the most captivating stories of the success of this Edgware almshouse community concerns a 5-year old resident with severe cerebral palsy whose family was appointed to the wheelchair-adapted flat complete with hoist and specially designed bathroom. At one of the summer birthday parties hosted in the communal area, she discovered that by leaning forward onto balloons she could pop them. This so obviously delighted her that all the other young residents immediately started bringing her all the balloons they could find. It was a real joy to see their childhood friendship blossom and a sight that made all the hard work demanded by this project so worthwhile.