From Struggle to Strength: how the Association helped revive Clear Cottages

As the Clear Cottages almshouses celebrate their centenary, Mavis Howard shares their remarkable story – a journey from near-closure to thriving community homes. It’s a tale that could have ended very differently, had it not been for the determination of the trustees and timely support and guidance of The Almshouse Association.

“In 1925, four almshouses were gifted to the village of Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, by Francis John Clear. These homes, intended for spinsters or widows who were both natives and long-term residents of Melbourn, opened their doors on 18th June of that year. The first resident was, delightfully, a Mrs. Christmas.

I first became involved with the Francis John Clear Almshouses in 1976, when I joined the Parish Council and was appointed as their representative on the Board of Trustees. Although I retired from the Council after 27 years, I continued as a trustee – and have now written 49 annual reports!

When I joined, the almshouses were facing financial difficulties so severe that closure was considered. We approached the District Council to see if they might take over the homes as part of their housing stock, but the proposal encountered significant challenges. The Chairman at the time then contacted the Charity Commission to explore the possibility of winding up the charity. Fortunately, they refused to allow it.

It was then we turned to The Almshouse Association, and were met with the kindness and wisdom of Mr. Flatley. He visited us personally and quickly identified the root of our financial troubles: an outdated oil-fired heating system installed in the 1960s. Thanks to his intervention, we received a £4,000 loan to install modern gas central heating. This single improvement marked a turning point in our fortunes.

We added a nameplate beneath the original Founder’s Stone, renaming the buildings ‘Clear Cottages.’ With careful management and a growing bank balance, we began to upgrade the homes, adding double-glazed windows, insulated roofing, enclosed porches, and, after the passing of a long-term resident, a full modernisation of one cottage, complete with a wet room and updated kitchen, while preserving cherished period features like the built-in dresser and cottage doors.

Eventually, our Quinquennial report revealed the need for a new roof – a daunting expense. Once again, we turned to Mr. Flatley for advice. Rather than advising us to sell investments at a bad time, he offered an interest-free loan, repayable over ten years. It was nothing short of a lifesaver.

Today, all four properties have been fully modernised and are highly desirable. In fact, most tradespeople who visit ask to be added to a waiting list – only to be told there isn’t one, and that gentlemen need not apply! 🙂

Over the years, our trustees have been a dedicated and hands-on group, and our team of local tradesmen take genuine pride in maintaining the cottages. As we celebrate the almshouses’ 100th anniversary, I find it humbling to reflect that I’ve been a part of their story for nearly half of that time.

While we may be considered “newcomers” in the grand history of almshouses, I wanted to share our journey and express our deep gratitude to The Almshouse Association. Without their guidance and generosity, we might not have made it to this remarkable milestone.”

Back of the cottages

Case Study 2: The Frances Geering Almshouses

Phase 1, Part 2

The Frances Geering Almshouse Charity in Harwell, Oxfordshire received a £50,000 loan from The Almshouse Association to support the required works to reduce significant damp problems. This included a new drainage system, double glazed windows and the re-plastering of internal and external walls with lime based materials.

In May 2024, the Charity shared with us Part 1 of Phase 1 of their two-phase project. We are now pleased to confirm that, with the completion of this Part 2, Phase 1 is officially complete.

The Frances Geering Almshouses, a Grade II* listed building over 300 years old, recently underwent significant renovations aimed at reducing longstanding damp issues. This was Phase 1 of a two-phase restoration effort initiated after a Quinquennial review by the trustees.

  • Saved Funds: £50,000 saved over 10 years
  • Loan from The Almshouse Association: £50,000 (interest-free)
  • Additional Fundraising: Contributed to closing the budget gap
  • Estimated vs Actual Costs:
    • Estimated: £120,000
    • Final Cost: Approximately £140,000
  • Installation of independent foul and storm water drainage systems
  • New soakaway constructed
  • Patios and paths ripped up and re-laid to accommodate new drainage
  • Gravel strips added between building and paths to aid breathability
  • Use of gravel grids and shingle to allow water runoff and easy access for wheelchairs
  • New cast aluminium gutters and downpipes
  • Removal of old cement render; replaced with lime mortar
  • Full re-rendering of external walls
  • Repainting of all external woodwork
  • Installation of Landvac double-glazed sash windows with Bathstone sills
  • Internal wall insulation using Gutex wood fibre
  • Breathable plaster and paint applied throughout
  • Interior completely redecorated
  • New carpet and vinyl flooring installed
  • Unexpected discovery of shifted brickwork after plaster removal
  • Structural reinforcements:
    • Steel rods inserted
    • Partial oak beam replacements
    • Steel straps to secure walls and ceilings

Heating System

  • Replaced 30-year-old radiators with modern efficient models
  • New pipework installed and boxed in

Woodwork

  • Skirting boards replaced due to woodworm
  • Curtain pole fixing points added

Electrical Work

  • Additional wall sockets installed, positioned higher for accessibility

Temporary relocation

  • Resident moved to local accommodation for five months

Post-renovation benefits

  • Warmer home
  • Lower heating bills
  • No signs of damp to date

Team structure

  • A sub-committee of two trustees and the clerk managed the project
  • Regular site visits and trustee updates ensured smooth execution
  • Major decisions were referred to the Chairman

Contractors and partnerships

  • Three main local companies were employed for key works
  • Smaller local businesses handled supplementary tasks
  • Good relationships with contractors contributed to quality outcomes

Grant application setbacks

  • Multiple applications for grants were unsuccessful
  • Primary reason: Small number of beneficiaries (only two residents)

Fundraising initiatives

  • Registered with HMRC for Gift Aid on donations
  • Set up a GoFundMe page for online donations
  • Collaborated with local events for donation proceeds

Scope of Phase 2

  • Roof and gully structural repairs
  • Brickwork re-pointing

Status

  • Pending fundraising success
  • Planned once adequate funds are secured

A sincere thank you to The Almshouse Association for their generous £50,000 interest-free loan. Their guidance and support were instrumental throughout the planning and execution of the project.


We would like to thanks all the trustees and contractors for their hard work and determination to ensure these beautiful almshouses have been preserved and can continue to provide safe and warm homes to people in need for many more generations to come.

We would also like to thank the people who so kindly donate to The Almshouse Association or leave gifts in their Wills. Without their generosity, we would not be in a position to help support almshouse charities with their renovations and new builds.

The Almshouse Association awards loans and grants to our member charities every year. In 2024, £813,667 was approved in new loans and grants totalled £60,000. Charities pay no interest on the loans, just a small administration fee. As they make repayments on the loans over a ten-year period, the Association can continue to offer loans to charities year after year, meaning that your donations continue to support almshouses and their residents in perpetuity.

If you are interested in making a donation to The Almshouse Association or leaving a gift in your Will, please do visit our Support Us pages here.


Historic England: A Guide to Managing Change

We are pleased to announce that Historic England has published their eagerly awaited advice note: Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change.

The advice note suggests how the heritage significance of almshouses can be conserved as proposals for upgrading are developed.

As times change and the need for affordable accommodation is widely felt, provision of appropriately accessible and comfortable homes with contemporary standards of accommodation, allowing residents to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible, is essential. Almshouses derive a distinctive form from their use in providing communal housing, which has continued for centuries. This advice note suggests how significance can be retained while supplying more comfortable and appropriate housing.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What are almshouses?
  3. Historical overview
  4. Legal and policy background
  5. An approach to change in almshouses
  6. Characteristic changes to almshouses
  7. Applications for change
  8. Further reading

Published 7 April 2025

Download here: Historic Almshouses: A Guide to Managing Change (PDF, 1.07 MB)

The advice note is accompanied by case studies (see below) illustrating good practice in developing proposals for development works affecting listed almshouses.

Case studies

The following case studies accompany the advice note and illustrate good practice in developing proposals for development works affecting historic almshouses.

As proposals for change should be developed following the staged approach given in section 7 of the advice note, a brief historical and architectural background is sketched in, followed by a discussion of the need for change in each case and how the proposal conserves significance and avoids harm.

Special thanks to all the almshouse charities who helped Dr Richard Morrice write the case studies and allowed him to photograph their buildings.

Accessibility

If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us Customer Service Department Telephone: 0370 333 0607 Email: customers@HistoricEngland.org.uk


New resident enjoys refurbished almshouse in Abergwyngregyn

Case Study: The Almshouse Association recently awarded Abergwyngregyn Almshouses a £10,000 grant to support their refurbishment project.

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the forms of grants and loans.

The Charity has kindly documented their refurbishment project on Bodalun Almshouse (one of their two almshouses) to share.

A small almshouse charity responsible for just two almshouses located in the village of Abergwyngregyn, on the northern edge of Eryri National Park. The almshouses are a pair of single-storey one bedroom cottages (originally 3 units), built in the mid-nineteenth century to provide accommodation for “poor persons of good character who have resided in the parish of Aber for not less than five years preceding the time of their appointment”.

In December 2023 Bodalun became vacant after being occupied for many years by a resident who had been unwilling to consider major change; however, once the property was empty it was clear that comprehensive upgrading was needed before Bodalun could be offered for re-occupation. The works included:

  • replacement and upgrading of the kitchen and bathroom facilities
  • replacement of the old heating/domestic water system with a combi-boiler
  • new floor coverings throughout and other measures to improve the accommodation’s thermal efficiency.

Work commenced in summer 2024, though an early setback occurred when a hidden water pipe just beneath the bathroom floor was accidentally punctured, causing flooding and requiring a full drying-out process. Fortunately, the project progressed largely as planned thereafter, with the exception of a further delay when their original decorator became unexpectedly unavailable, prompting a last-minute search for a suitable replacement.

The refurbishment works are now complete and Bodalun was re-occupied in February 2025. The new resident, a lifelong member of the Abergwyngregyn community, has moved from a three-bedroom housing association property – now freed up for a family in housing need – into the newly upgraded accommodation.

He is settling in well and is very happy with his new home, which is far easier to manage and keep warm.

Aber Almshouse Charity is most grateful to The Almshouse Association for its invaluable support, which has played a vital role in ensuring the continued availability of almshouse accommodation in Abergwyngregyn for years to come.


Dr Radcliffe’s Almshouses given new lease of life

Case Study: New side porches for Dr Radcliffe’s Almshouses, Steeple Aston, Bicester, Oxfordshire

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the form of grants and loans.

The Almshouse Association provided Dr Radcliffe’s Almshouses with a £40,000 loan to replace the porches on their two almshouse dwellings. We thank Richard Preston, Chairman of Dr Radcliffe’s Almshouse Trustees who has put together the information below for us to share with you.

The two almshouses, circa 1900

Steeple Aston has two almshouses in the village, dating back to 1640 and built under the guidance of Samual Radcliffe, the rector of the village at that time and principal of Brasenose Collage, Oxford.

Originally, two single-room, one-storey properties until 1812, when a first floor was added to both. In the 20th century, a kitchen and bathroom were added, and at some stage, a porch-style structure was added to No. 1 and a lean-to attached to No.2.

Around the end of 2021 it was identified that some major repair work was required to No. 1’s porch so the Charity decided to apply to the local district council for work to repair the situation. It was at this stage, the Charity realised that detailed plans and designs were required to meet the listed building requirements and that both properties needed to be matched to meet planning and conservation requirements.

After some exploration, the Charity managed to find an architect to draw up a design that met the council’s specification and then submitted it to planning for approval.

Once approved, a contractor capable of completing the work was needed, so the Charity put their project out to tender. By this point, it had become clear that the work would be expensive, but fortunately, they managed to secure a local builder they were familiar with and who came in at the most competitive price.

No. 1 – timber side extension failing due to rot
No. 2 old lean-to

Eventually, the work commenced with no major issues other than those to be expected from a building of this age. The almshouses now feature two identical extensions, thoughtfully designed to complement the original building, replacing the poorly constructed timber side extension at No. 1 and the questionable lean-to at No. 2. The build included:

  • Front elevation now in local stone
  • Timber windows
  • A roof and a timber door which are both aesthetically pleasing and secure.
  • The flooring is now in quarry tiles and once the weather allows, the access pathway will be finished in a resin surface to make the whole area look so much better and safer to walk on.
  • Bin storage has been added to both properties and
  • additional electric sockets in the extension allows better use of that area.
New windows replace old lean-to

Sadly, the occupant of No. 1 passed away at the remarkable age of 95 at the start of the construction work — though it’s worth noting the two events were entirely unrelated. This gave the trustees an opportunity to refurbish No. 1, and a new occupant is set to move in on 1 April 2025.

No. 1 porch almost completed, bar the resin pathway
No. 2 almost completed

The main challenge was to find the funding of £65,000 as the Charity’s funds did not stretch that far.

With the help of The Almshouse Association and the local Dr Radcliffe’s School Foundation, the Charity was able to secure the funds required and work commenced during early Autumn of 2024.

Digging down to create footings, drains were found that no one had any knowledge of, and some modifications were required to make safe and, in some cases, make access for future maintenance should this be necessary. The weather was not always compatible with exterior building but eventually, the job was completed and the resident in No. 2 was able to supply tea and coffee when required by the builders.

Advice for charities contemplating a similar job.

New skylight

Richard Preston comments, “If I had to give any advice to anyone contemplating a similar job, I would advise them to use a contractor that is known to them and can work around issues that will crop up with a building that has been around for a few centuries. Our builder has come in on budget and has managed to solve some issues that other builders might well have struggled with. Always keep calm and remember, if a problem arises, there is always a solution!

Many thanks to The Almshouse Association for their invaluable help and advice and I believe we are now in a much stronger and secure position that we have ever been previously.


Did you know?

Funds used by The Almshouse Association to make loans to charities last in perpetuity. Loans to charities are interest-free with just a small setup fee. As they pay back the loan over a 10 year period, the Association is able to re-lend out the funds over and over again, ensuring more almshouses can be built or older almshouses can be preserved with a new roof or modernised with extensions or wet rooms. So if you are thinking about contributing to our rolling charity support fund by making a donation or leaving money in your Will, you will know that your money will be helping to change people’s lives for the better for many, many generations to come.

To find out more, please click here



Association loan supports refurbishment of two Shrivenham almshouses

Case Study: Viscountess Barrington Homes for Disadvantaged Ex-service Personnel

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the forms of grants and loans.

In April 2024, The Almshouse Association provided the almshouses of Viscountess Barrington Homes for Disadvantaged Ex-service Personnel with a £100,000 loan to support the refurbishment of a pair of semi-detached almshouses.   

The Trust kindly put together the case study below for us to share with you.

The Trust was established in the early 1920s to promote well-being in the village and to provide homes for veterans returning from World War I. Most of the homes were built in the 1920s and included workrooms to encourage occupants to provide for a living for themselves.

An additional  block of four apartments was completed in 2004; one of the original semi-detached houses on the High Street was converted to two flats in the 1990s; and an adjacent semi-detached house was converted into flats in 2023.

The Objects of the Trust
To provide housing for beneficiaries, defined as former members of the armed forces or dependants thereof, who are in need by virtue of disability, financial hardship, sickness or old age, and are capable of independent living. Applicants should ordinarily be resident within 100 miles of Shrivenham or have family ties to the Shrivenham area.

There are currently 14 homes (6 houses and 8 apartments) housing 21 adult residents. A long-term program of major refurbishment commenced in the 2020s to ensure that the properties are fit for purpose, particularly in terms of insulation and the prevention of damp. One block of two semi-detached houses was completed in 2021, and the conversion of a three bedroomed house into two flats was completed in 2023. Further modernisation and refurbishment were planned when finances allowed, the most important of which were the semi-detached houses at 1 and 3 Recreation Ground Lane.

The biggest challenges to overcome to enable the project to begin were: the identification of available finance; and where to house the residents while the work was ongoing.

The Trust had enough in reserve to fund half of the project, but it would be so much more economical to complete the whole project at once. The approval of a £100,000 loan from The Almshouse Association provided the impetus required to satisfy this objective.

When one of the residents in a neighbouring house had to vacate to be moved into care, this gave the opportunity for both pairs of residents to be temporarily housed for approximately 3 months each in the vacated house while their houses were being upgraded.

The residents of one of the houses had been suffering medically from the damp state of their home, with mould being a frequent visitor. Their neighbours had no upstairs bathroom, which meant a trip down the stairs and through the kitchen to visit the loo in the middle of the night. Of course, this was an improvement over that experienced by the original residents in the 1920s, when the only loo was the outside privy!

For both houses, there was very limited insulation with sound proofing also very poor. The chimneys were no longer in use and were a cause of ongoing maintenance costs. The render had been patched over the years but was hollow in places, was of the old style non-breathable variety, and cracked.  This did not help with water ingress, insulation or airflow.

old render
original kitchen, leading to..
..old bathroom

The project was scoped and estimated at approximately £200,000, to cover the refurbishment of both houses, internally and externally. This included creating  open plan kitchen-diners, updated kitchens and downstairs shower rooms, and (for one of the properties) an upstairs bathroom. The heating systems were also to be replaced. External work included removal of the original (1920s) chimneys and very old render, replacing with a modern breathable render system. The guttering and roof trim were also renewed.  These improvements have enabled the residents to enjoy much better insulated, damp proofed and therefore warmer homes.

dry lining external walls
insulating and sound proofing internal walls
tackling the old render

Refurbishing these two properties continued the theme of modernising the property portfolio which had begun pre-covid.  A major driver for this project and the wider improvement program is to improve the energy performance of our homes, both to protect the environment and to ease the running costs for our residents. This is in line with our goal of ensuring that active and independent residents can enjoy accommodation in line with 21st century living, at contribution rates that are affordable to those in need. 

new kitchen leading to dining room. The dining room was previously the kitchen
new dining room leading to kitchen. The build also included a remodelled shower room downstairs and..
..a new upstairs bathroom was added too

Whilst we had enough funds to do at least one of the houses, it was much more economic to do the complete block. The £100,000 loan ensured that this was possible and expedited the overall property portfolio enhancement project. Without it, one pair of our residents would still be living in below par accommodation, waiting for us to rebuild our cash reserves.

In hindsight, and if we had realised the option of Almshouse Association funds a year earlier, we would have changed the project schedule to begin with the exterior work.  

It would also have been beneficial to have done this external work in the spring-summer, rather than late autumn-winter when the many wet days were not conducive to removing/applying the render. The removal of the old render proved more difficult than envisaged due to it being placed over a metal mesh; this took longer than expected to remove, and caused some disturbance to the inside walls, meaning some rework internally. However, our excellent contractor made good all the damage at very little additional cost.

The overall retrospective view was that the disruption of moving out for the duration of the work was very worthwhile. They now appreciate much cosier and more modern homes which they hope to enjoy for many years.

front
back

Local residents have also commented on the improved external view of the properties.

As long as you have a justifiable business case, then bite the bullet sooner rather than later. The residents really do appreciate the time and trouble.


Did you know?

Funds used by The Almshouse Association to make loans to charities last in perpetuity. Loans to charities are interest-free with just a small setup fee. As they pay back the loan over a 10 year period, the Association is able to re-lend out the funds over and over again, ensuring more almshouses can be built or older almshouses can be preserved with a new roof or modernised with extensions or wet rooms. So if you are thinking about contributing to our rolling charity support fund by making a donation or leaving money in your Will, you will know that your money will be helping to change people’s lives for the better for many, many generations to come.

To find out more, please click here


posted February 2025


Case Study: The Almshouse Charity of Sir John Offley

The Almshouse Charity of Sir John Offley was awarded a £50,000 loan from The Almshouse Association rolling fund in the first quarter of 2024 to assist with the renovation of No.2 Greyhound Cottage, Madeley, Staffordshire.

History

The original almshouses which are in Madeley, Crewe, CW3 9PW were built in 1645, paid for by money left in the Will of Sir John Offley of Madeley. They were endowed and built under the terms of the Will of 1645. The properties were extended and improved by Hungerford, Baron of Crewe in 1889 and again in 1968. The properties were listed as Grade 2 in 1966.

Since 1968 they have been further improved with modern kitchens and bathrooms. Extensive re-roofing was carried out in 2016 at a cost of £35,000 and in 2023 the windows to the front of the properties which were iron framed in oak surrounds were replaced as per the originals at a cost of £46,000. A grant of £5,000 was received from Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council towards the cost of the work with the balance coming from the Charity’s reserves.

Area

The village of Madeley has origins in the Saxon period and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is an attractive village which has a mix of Local Authority and private dwellings served by a number of small businesses.

It was originally a mining village with Lycett Colliery being close to Madeley. The colliery was closed in 1957. Madeley is situated approximately five miles from Newcastle Under Lyme and Stoke on Trent with Crewe being approximately eight miles away, thus providing excellent road and rail links to all parts of the country. It has two primary schools and one secondary school.

The Project

The demand for low cost housing has, over the past few years, become a major issue with high rents and few suitable properties being available. The trustees have, for a number of years, looked for land on which to build additional almshouses but without success.

In 2019 the trustees decided to purchase two small properties in Madeley, No.1 Greyhound Cottage and Pool View. These properties were separated by No.2 Greyhound Cottage. The two properties were purchased and renovated at a total cost of £220,000 with the proceeds coming from the Charity’s reserves.

In 2023 No.2 Greyhound Cottage became available for purchase.

The trustees considered this an ideal opportunity to own the three properties. Nos.1 and 2 Greyhound Cottages are semi-detached cottages built in 1868. Pool Cottage, which has a passageway separating it from Greyhound Cottages, was built in the mid to late 1900 century.

No.2 Greyhound Cottage was purchased in February 2024 at a cost of £132,788. The property was in a poor state of repair and needed extensive renovation and repairs.

Quotes were obtained showing estimates of between £60,000 and £75,000. At the rear of the property is a substantial strip of land which could be suitable for future development.

The house needed to be completed gutted

The improvements to the property comprised:

  • Damp course and complete re-plastering
  • Re-roofing
  • New staircase
  • New floors and coverings
  • Complete re-wiring
  • New plumbing and bathroom fittings
  • New kitchen
  • New central heating system
  • New interior and exterior doors
  • New windows throughout
  • New rainwater goods
  • Decorating

The extensive renovations of No.2 Greyhound Cottage were completed on 24 October 2024 and the trustees were delighted to welcome a young family into the property on 1 November 2024.

The Almshouse Charity of Sir John Offley writes,

“The Clerk contacted The Almshouse Association to enquire as to the possibility of a loan to assist with the costs of the renovation work on No.2 Greyhound Cottage. The help and assistance given by Fenella Hall during this process was exemplary. She gave clear guidance as to the procedure involved in making the application for a loan and the speed in which the application was dealt with was first class. Without the help of The Almshouse Association, the Charity would have had to wait many years to acquire the necessary funds to carry out the improvements required.

The Charity made the application on 19 February 2024 and the loan agreement was signed on 14 April 2024. This was quite exceptional. The trustees are extremely grateful and profound thanks go to Fenella and The Almshouse Association.”


Did you know?

Funds used by The Almshouse Association to make loans to charities last in perpetuity. Loans to charities are interest-free with just a small setup fee. As they pay back the loan over a 10 year period, the Association is able to re-lend out the funds over and over again, ensuring more almshouses can be built or older almshouses can be preserved with a new roof or modernised with extensions or wet rooms. So if you are thinking about contributing to our rolling charity support fund by making a donation or leaving money in your Will, you will know that your money will be helping to change people’s lives for the better for many, many generations to come.

To find out more, please click here


Case Study: Thomas White Cottage Homes

Replacement of deteriorated sash windows and frames

The Almshouse Association provided Thomas White Cottage Homes with a £80,000 loan towards the replacement of sash windows and frames with newly double glazed sash windows to the southern aspect of the Cottage Homes.

History

Thomas White Cottage Homes (2016) Charity is the modern incarnation of a charitable foundation created in 1886 by Thomas White, a wealthy Bromsgrove businessman and philanthropist.

Its almshouses in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, are three substantial Victorian buildings, opened to its first residents in that year, and now, having been partially extended in 1993 comprise 14 self-contained flats, surrounded by communal gardens.

The Charity’s beneficiaries are, to quote from its constitution, “women in need of not less than sixty years of age, with a preference for such women who are resident at the time of their appointment in the area of the Ancient Parish of Bromsgrove”.

Background

The almshouses front to the south and their frontages have been exposed to sun and weather since their construction. All the windows were single-glazed, which caused noticeable condensation. The frames were constructed from Baltic Pine and despite the quality of the timber the frames and sills were deteriorating, requiring filling, painting and general maintenance, the cost of which was becoming prohibitive. In some cases sills were allowing water ingress into bay window areas, affecting internal decoration and plastering.

Research

The Charity began to explore the possibility of replacing window frames with double-glazed units, only to be halted in its tracks by the pandemic lockdown. After lockdown ended, the project was properly started and taken forward by the Charity’s Finance & General Purposes Committee.

The Charity was fortunate to have the voluntary help of Nick Reading, a retired architect who specialised in historic buildings who prepared a detailed report on the condition of the windows for the Charity.

Materials and Costing

The report laid out the options for and costs of replacement, advising that the most effective way to proceed would be to double-glaze the windows on the southern elevation of the almshouses, using UPVC units of a style which replicated the existing window frames and sills.

Although the use of timber replacement frames was considered, recent advances in the design of UPVC windows meant that the existing sash, and indeed the other windows could be replaced by frames which almost perfectly replicated the original design. UPVC was therefore an obvious choice, bearing in mind the cost advantage and the reduction in maintenance requirements.

Project Management

Our architect went on to support the Charity throughout the entire project, assisting in choosing appropriate products, programming the installation in conjunction with its suppliers, and generally keeping an eye on things as they progressed.

The Charity identified a local supplier, Diamond Windows (Droitwich) Ltd, experienced in similar projects and whose products matched the original framing so well that, after installation, it is difficult to distinguish from ten feet away whether the windows are painted timber or UPVC. The Charity appointed a project manager, and having the benefit of two recently retired commercially experienced solicitors within its ranks settled with our supplier a formal contract for the supply and installation of replacement windows.

Installation

A considerable amount of detailed planning went into the installation process, involving meetings and discussion between suppliers, trustees, warden, clerk, project manager and our supportive architect.

After taking into account the access needed by the suppliers to the site, the parking of vehicles, the potential disruption to the lives of residents and the vulnerability of some of them an installation plan was settled and implemented.

The installation went like clockwork, thanks in large part to the professionalism of our suppliers and their consideration for our residents, and was finished internally as well as externally to a high standard. Our suppliers’ carpenters were able to remodel and reuse the existing internal architraves so that from inside, as well as outside, the appearance of the windows has not changed. From start to finish the installation was completed in three weeks.

Funding

The project involved a significant and substantial financial commitment for the Charity. This involved preparation and careful consideration of fund availability and of budgets over future years.

Help was sought from grant-giving or donating local charities which provided approximately one third of the overall cost, whilst the balance was funded by an interest-free loan from The Almshouse Association.

Overview

The overall success of the project is down to:

  • the combination of expert advice throughout on all aspects of it,
  • a proper contractual arrangement between relevant parties so that each knew its obligations and responsibilities,
  • detailed and unhurried planning involving everyone concerned,
  • and an experienced and reputable supplier.

The installation of the new windows has delighted the Charity’s residents.

The condensation problem from which flats suffered has been considerably reduced, the flats are warmer and can be more easily ventilated, and the reduction in noise from the busy road to which the properties front is most noticeable. All of which has improved the quality of life within the Charity’s almshouses, for the benefit of all of its residents.

Many thanks to Malford Harris, Clerk & Treasurer of Thomas White Cottage Homes (2016) Charity for providing us with this case study. More case studies can be accessed here.


Did you know?

Funds used by The Almshouse Association to make loans to charities last in perpetuity. Loans to charities are interest-free with just a small setup fee. As they pay back the loan over a 10 year period, the Association is able to re-lend out the funds over and over again, ensuring more almshouses can be built or older almshouses can be preserved with a new roof or modernised with extensions or wet rooms. So if you are thinking about contributing to our rolling charity support fund by making a donation or leaving money in your Will, you will know that your money will be helping to change people’s lives for the better for many, many generations to come.

To find out more, please click here


England’s Ancient Housing Solution

Recently published in FBHI | The Faith-Based Housing Initiative, Case Studies: England’s Ancient Housing Solution; Why 16th-century English almshouses provide a model for faith-based housing

written by Eli Smith for FBHI, Dec 10, 2024

At first glance, the almshouses of 16th-century England might seem worlds apart from today’s faith-based housing efforts. After all, England 500 years ago was a very different place than the United States today. There’s little doubt it was not a fun time to be alive, especially for the poor. The population was booming, leading to a lack of housing, food, and employment. The political and religious uncertainty that was born from the English Reformation meant that aid to those in need was constantly in flux. When the Crown confiscated all Catholic lands, it also shut the doors of at least half of the hospitals and almshouses in the country.1 In response, private donors across England stepped up, creating new almshouses to fill the gap.

The Ewelme Almshouse Charity : Ewelme Trust, Almshouses Oxfordshire,  Almhouses Buckinghamshire
God’s House at Ewelme is one of the earliest English almshouses – dating to 1437. Image from the Ewelme Almshouse Charity.

These humble establishments- designed to provide permanent residences for the elderly poor- can be useful case studies for the faith-based housing of today. Often built near the parish church and with varying degrees of religious association, these almshouses offer what is likely the best historical parallel to faith-based housing conversations today. Those conversations would be wise to include the lessons of 16th century almshouses; their incredible adaptability, relationship to public welfare, and longevity allowed for rapid growth and an impact that has lasted centuries. These ancient almshouses can and should serve as a blueprint for how faith-based housing can establish itself in an American context.

Flexability

One of the defining features of 16th-century almshouses was their remarkable adaptability. Each was uniquely tailored to meet the needs of its community and the resources of its founder. Some were grand, with extravagant central quadrangles and gates that prominently displayed the founder’s name, while others were simple row houses with little fanfare. It was not uncommon for founders to even donate their own house to be carved up into apartments. Most housed only a small number of residents- often six or fewer- though some larger institutions provided for dozens.2 Almshouses primarily served the elderly poor who could no longer work, but many also admitted individuals with disabilities or other vulnerabilities. Some almshouses were gender or occupation specific, but most were open to deserving applicants from all different walks of life.

John Smith's Hospital © N Chadwick cc-by-sa/2.0 :: Geograph Britain and  Ireland
John and Ann Smith’s Almshouses in Canterbury are a wonderful example of simple yet beautiful construction. Image from Geograph.

No two almshouses were the same. They were all suited to fit their context, whether that be the smallest town or the biggest city. The incredible flexibility led to experimentation and adaptation that allowed them to spread like wildfire across England. The simplicity of most allowed them to be established quickly and relatively inexpensively, and within fifty years there were a variety of almshouses with varying governance structures and designs.

This flexibility is an inspiration for faith-based housing today. Just as 16th-century England required a diversity of approaches, the United States needs an adaptable model that can fit the needs of a vast and diverse nation. Experimentation and adaptation is as necessary today as it was 500 years ago. Just look at what happened in England; in 1601, they codified new laws that standardized and regulated almshouses, building on the successes of their experimentation and allowing almshouses to continue to be established.

Local Impact

Another key lesson is the role in what scholars call the “mixed economy of welfare.” Those fancy words essentially refer to the coexistence of public and private systems of welfare – something that may seem common today, but was a recent innovation 500 years ago.3 You might expect that this relationship would lead to a reduction in charitable giving, but instead support shifted to direct local relief that a donor could see the impact of. Donors were motivated to act because they could see the tangible impact of their contributions within their own communities.

Implicit in this relationship is that no one person or organization could single handedly solve all issues of poverty in one community, much less the nation as a whole. As a result, donors could give more flexibly within their means, opting to build something small rather than nothing at all. Faith-based organizations should look at this example and realize, much as 16th century patrons did, that they alone cannot completely solve systemic problems. They can only do the most that they are capable of, focusing on what is feasible rather than aiming for overly ambitious projects. A small development of 10 homes might not solve the entire housing crisis, but it can still improve the lives both residents and neighbors.

Almshouse founders recognized their limited ability and embraced it, doing what they could even if it made a smaller impact.

Gramer’s Almshouses in Warwickshire are located beside the parish church. Image from britishlistedbuildings.co.uk

Longevity

What these almshouses lacked in size was made up for in the longevity of their impact. An almshouse that was built to last not just changed the lives of the half dozen or so immediate recipients, but would house dozens or hundreds of people over centuries. An almshouse with 6 places would provide for roughly 240 residents over a 400 year life span, and many more if it were admitting couples or allowing roommates. This may not seem like a lot, but in a small town or a city with many almshouses the impact could be huge. Furthermore, even the most modest almshouses were often located in the center of town or close to the parish church, intertwining them with the very fabric of the town and becoming an important part of the place. This was even more true for those that were architecturally grand or beautiful, providing courtyards and gardens for both residents and locals alike.

Many almshouses from the 16th century or earlier still survive to this day. New establishments were created steadily until the early 20th century, and altogether there are around 2600 almshouses across England today. They have proven to be not just a lasting model for charitable housing but also essential pieces of English towns.

Living in one is a privilege that connects residents with hundreds of years of history, making for a home whose roots run deep.

Faith-based housing offers an opportunity to bring this kind of longevity to the United States. Not all of it will be long lasting and beautiful (almshouses didn’t all survive), but those that succeed can create places that will be looked after and loved well into the future. Faith-based institutions are uniquely positioned to take the long view, creating truly great places that will last for generations.

Conclusion

The story of 16th-century English almshouses is more than a historical curiosity- it is a model for modern faith-based housing. The adaptability that allowed almshouses to be created in many different contexts is needed today if faith-based housing is to become widespread. Furthermore, almshouses show that faith-based institutions don’t always need to strive for the biggest project; sometimes the small projects are the ones that stick around and become integral parts of the community. Those looking to build faith-based housing should consider if an almshouse-like development is more suited to them than a large apartment building might be.

Small, intentional projects can both fill critical gaps and create lasting beauty. Just as almshouses continue to serve their communities centuries later, faith-based housing projects can provide hope, stability, and dignity for generations to come.


Eli Smith is a senior at Dartmouth College studying Religion and Public Policy. He is the Faith-Based Housing Initiative’s Research Fellow.
1 Goose, Nigel. “Accommodating the Elderly Poor: Almshouses and the Mixed Economy of Welfare in England in the Second Millennium.” The Scandinavian Economic History Review 62, no. 1 (2014): 38.
2 Nicholls, Angela. Almshouses in Early Modern England : Charitable Housing in the Mixed Economy of Welfare, 1550-1725. Suffolk: Boydell & Brewer, 2017: 72
3 Goose, 36

article source: England’s Ancient Housing Solution – by Eli Smith



Case Study: United Charities of Romaldkirk

Project to convert cottages set to start in 2020 celebrates completion in 2024

The United Charities of Romaldkirk received a £60,000 loan from The Almshouse Association’s rolling fund to support the remodelling of three one-bedroom cottages into two two-bedroom cottages.

History

The Charity, originally known as Romaldkirk Almshouse Foundation was founded in about 1670 by William Hutchinson. In archives the Charity came across this entry:

“MEN & AFFAIRS
HE-FOUNDED ROMALDKIRK ALMSHOUSES AND BOWES GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Visitors to Teesdale must have noticed the sheltered little cottages lying on the outskirts of Romaldkirk village, known as the Almshouses. Their history is barely known. Their founder was William Hutchinson of Delroo who lived for a time at the village of Cragg near Barnard Castle. During the 17th Century, early in life he migrated to London where he acquired considerable wealth. His thoughts however must have clung to Teesdale for not only did he found the Almshouses at Romaldkirk but also a Grammar School at Bowes.
In memory of his preservation from drowning in fording Deepdale Beck between Cragg and Nab Farm a stone bridge was put up at that place. In the western parapet of the bridge there is the following inscription:

“William Hutchinson of Delroo Esquire whose great Charity was most exemplary in all respects. So likewise, in the building of this bridge, the place of his happy nativity which was built in August 1699”.

The Almshouses continue to occupy the original site at Romaldkirk and are known as Hutchinson Terrace. An inscription set into the cottages gives a date of 1671 with them being rebuilt in 1829. It is understood that originally the cottages consisted of six cottages and there is evidence of this within their layout. Until the most recent re-modelling the cottages had many years ago been re-modelled to provide three, one-bedroom cottages.

Background

The cottages needed upgrading to conform with modern day standards and a scheme of works has been undertaken to do this. The building is a Grade II listed building and sits on a small embankment facing south. They are stone built with a Westmoreland Green slate roof. The properties had single-glazed out of character casement windows, no thermal insulation, they suffered with dampness, the drainage required upgrading; the bathroms and kitchens required modernising. The roof required to be replaced.

Planning, Funding, Overcoming Challenges

Carolyn Milburn FRICS, the Agent for the Charity gave advice to the Charity on seeking grant funding from Homes England and on what would be required for a remodelling and refurbishment programme to go ahead.

Carolyn recommended to the trustees that it could be more sensible to convert the three one-bedroom cottages into two, two-bedroom cottages. As the Charity is open to local families, couples and single people who are in need, hardship or distress, it was considered that making available two-bedroom cottages could widen the scope for offering the houses to beneficiaries in the future.

Listed Building Consent was required for this plan and the services of Simon Potter RIBA of John Potter Architect Limited were engaged to design a solution for the remodelling. Once Listed Building Consent was obtained, the Architect estimated the cost of building work and Carolyn, with the assistance of the Almshouse Consortium Limited, put forward a grant application to Homes England.

The grant aid was successful but unfortunately before the works could go out to tender, Covid came along in 2020. This delayed progress for a tender exercise and by the time the works were put out to tender, the cost of materials and labour had increased exorbitantly.

The project, albeit with the opportunity of the Homes England grant funding, became out of reach.

The Charity owned an additional property; the former school building in Romaldkirk. This building had been vacant for many years and prior to 2020, planning permission and listed building consent had been obtained to convert this building into two new almshouses to add to the Charity’s almshouse portfolio. Despite a grant having been obtained through Homes England; because this development required the Charity to become a Registered Provider, and again along with the massive increase in building costs post 2020, the Charity took the decision, reluctantly, not to proceed with this plan. Instead, this building was sold at auction and the proceeds of sale utilised to proceed with the Hutchinson Terrace project.

As the Homes England grant programme was about to end and a ‘start on site’ date was not feasibly going to occur within that programme, the Charity reapplied for a grant from Homes England and this time were successful in achieving a higher grant award for the Hutchinson Terrace project. This, together with the loan from The Almshouse Association was most helpful given the increased costs in building materials.

Completion

The building work commenced in Spring 2023 and has now been completed. The properties are looking extremely smart and modern but still retain their character. All concerned, trustees, Architect, Agent for the Charity, and the Contractors are extremely proud of the result.

Many thanks to Carolyn Milburn FRICS, Partner – Rural Professional for and on behalf of George F. White LLP for providing us with this case study.


Did you know?

Funds used by The Almshouse Association to make loans to charities last in perpetuity. Loans to charities are interest-free with just a small setup fee. As they pay back the loan over a 10 year period, the Association is able to re-lend out the funds over and over again, ensuring more almshouses can be built or older almshouses can be preserved with a new roof or modernised with extensions or wet rooms. So if you are thinking about contributing to our rolling charity support fund by making a donation or leaving money in your Will, you will know that your money will be helping to change people’s lives for the better for many, many generations to come.

To find out more, please click here