75th Anniversary - Members stories | The Almshouse Association

Celebrating 350 Years of the Charity of Jane Wright

This year marks a remarkable milestone for the Charity of Jane Wright, as it celebrates 350 years of continuous charitable support in York.

Jane Wright, a widow born in York, died in London in the 17th century. In her Will dated 21 December 1675, she made an extraordinary bequest of £1,000 to her home parish of Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate – a sum equivalent to over £175,000 today. Her vision was both practical and compassionate: she directed that the money be invested in property, with the income used to support those in need in York and to assist young people transitioning from apprenticeship into adult life.

Three and a half centuries later, Jane Wright’s legacy continues to flourish. Thanks to careful stewardship and prudent investment over generations, the original gift has grown into a thriving charity with assets now valued at over £1.3 million. The Charity continues to provide grants to individuals living in York, supports other charitable organisations, and offers much-needed housing through its almshouse provision.

At the heart of its work is John Saville Court in Ogleforth, a peaceful enclave of almshouses comprising both modern and sympathetically refurbished historic properties. Arranged around a secluded, landscaped courtyard and situated close to York Minster and the city centre, the site reflects both the Charity’s long history and its ongoing commitment to community.

The entrance gates, bearing the inscription “JWC 1675–1983” in gold lettering, stand as a quiet tribute to Jane Wright’s enduring generosity.

As the Charity celebrates this significant anniversary, it not only honours its founder’s vision but also looks ahead to continuing its mission of support and opportunity for future generations.

posted 13 May 2026

Stewardship across centuries: The formation of MY Trust

On 1 April 2026, two of the West Midlands’ most historic charitable organisations came together in a merger that reflects both deep roots and a forward‑looking vision. The union of Sir Josiah Mason Trust (SJMT) and the Yardley Great Trust Group bring together nearly a thousand years of charitable legacy, creating a stronger platform to meet modern social needs while safeguarding centuries of generosity.

Sir Josiah Mason Trust was formally established in 1868, but its charitable roots lie earlier still. Sir Josiah Mason, a Birmingham industrialist and philanthropist, believed deeply that secure housing and access to education were fundamental to human dignity. That belief continues to shape the Trust’s work today, not only through its own almshouse provision but also through its stewardship of other historic charities that share allied purposes, including Holy Trinity Heath Town Charity, Holte & Bracebridge Charity, Thomas Banks Almshouses and Oak Tree House Trust. Each has its own distinct history and charitable intent, yet all are united by a common commitment to providing secure homes, support and care for people in need.

The Yardley Great Trust Group was not the product of a single benefactor but the result of nearly 700 years of local generosity. Its earliest foundations date to 1355, when land was gifted to be held in trust for the benefit of the parish. Over succeeding centuries, numerous benefactors added almshouses, bread charities, clothing funds, schools and later housing for older people. These modest yet vital gifts sustained generations in the absence of any formal welfare system.

By the twentieth century, the Yardley charities had expanded into residential and nursing care, responding to changing patterns of need through organisations such as Colehaven, Grey Gables and Carrs Lane Homes. Though founded separately, each shared a commitment to secure, dignified homes and compassionate care. Gradually, these charities were brought together, forming the modern Yardley Great Trust Group, uniting historic endowments with contemporary governance.

The merger with Sir Josiah Mason Trust brings these traditions together under MY Trust (Mason Yardley Trust). Crucially, this is not a break from the past but a strengthening of it. The merger safeguards historic endowments, aligns charitable purposes and provides the resilience needed to meet modern regulatory, financial and service expectations.

Reflecting on the significance of the merger, David Healey, Chief Executive of MY Trust, says:

“This merger is about stewardship in its truest sense. Both Trusts and our linked charities were founded to ensure that generosity given in one generation could continue to support those in need centuries later. By coming together, we are protecting those legacies while creating an organisation strong enough to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

The new Trust stands as a living demonstration of continuity: medieval land gifts meeting modern housing standards; historic charitable provision aligned with contemporary care and support. It is proof that almshouses are not relics of the past, but enduring institutions capable of renewal, relevance and lasting social value when guided by principled governance and shared purpose.

Contributor: David Healey | Chief Executive of MY Trust

posted 6 May 2026

Southwark Charities brings creativity home

Southwark Charities in London continues to place creativity at the heart of community life through its Artist in Residence scheme, an initiative that invites professional artists to live on site, engage directly with residents, and leave a lasting artistic legacy.

The scheme collaborates with artists across a wide range of specialisms, creating meaningful opportunities for residents to take part in workshops, creative conversations and shared experiences. Each residency culminates in a permanent artwork gifted to Southwark Charities, ensuring every collaboration leaves something tangible behind for future generations to enjoy.

Our most recent Artist in Residence was photographer Clive Tonge, whose project, Still Lifes, focused on intimate portraiture. Clive photographed residents seated in their favourite chairs – personal spaces that reflect comfort, character and lived experience. The resulting portraits are both gentle and powerful, capturing individuality while celebrating the quiet dignity of everyday life.

Clive said, “People lie at the heart of my work, so chatting and getting to know the residents was a huge part of the Still Lifes project. Our portraits were built around these casual conversations. Residents also brought personal artefacts and treasured objects to their photo sessions.

The final images I chose were of people relaxed and smiling. I did this knowing the framed pictures would live on the walls of their homes and would contribute to a positive, welcoming atmosphere. “

These beautiful works now form a permanent exhibition in our residents’ lounge, transforming a familiar communal space into a gallery that honours the people who call Southwark Charities home. The project has been warmly received by residents, staff and visitors alike, sparking conversation, reflection and pride.

The Artist in Residence scheme reflects Southwark Charities’ commitment to wellbeing, connection and creative expression. By bringing artists directly into our communities, we create space for storytelling, learning and collaboration, and strengthen the sense of belonging that lies at the heart of almshouse living.

If you would like more information, Clive can be contacted by email: cliveagrin@hotmail.com

Contributor: Lottie Benstead | Operations Manager, Southwark Charities

posted 6 May 2026

Princess Royal visits member charity

Almshouse story published by Kent online, which has kindly given The Almshouse Association permission to share with our members and supporters.

The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, makes first royal visit to The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins in Chatham High Street

Alex Langridge | alangridge@thekmgroup.co.uk |Published: 11:51, 01 May 2026 | Additional reporting by Finn Macdiarmid

Princess Anne made her first royal visit to a Kent military veterans’ almshouse, which she has been the patron of for a year.

The Princess Royal attended a flag-raising ceremony at The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins in Chatham High Street yesterday morning (April 30).

It came as the Royal Navy granted permission for the almshouse, which provides accommodation for around 10 veterans, to fly its official flag, the White Ensign.

Only a select few sites in the country have permission to fly the historic flag, which symbolises naval authority and sovereignty.

Chairman of the governors at the hospital, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Small, said it was a “very special occasion” for the charity, made even more so by Princess Anne’s visit.

Princess Anne visited The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins in Chatham High Street. Picture: Finn Macdiarmid

He added: “It is a great opportunity for us to share the heritage of the hospital and to show it off, because we are really one of the best kept secrets of the Medway Towns.

“To maintain that connection with the fleet and the Towns is so important because there is so much history tied up in Medway, which revolves around the Royal Navy.

Chatham veterans Hospital hosted the crown princess

“It has been an absolute privilege to have the Princess Royal visit for the first time since she became the Royal Patron a year ago.

“For the young cadets, that is going to be the highlight of their period with the cadet corps and they will remember that for the rest of their lives.”

Dignitaries from the Royal Naval Association, as well as figures from across Medway, also welcomed Princess Anne on her visit.

Mayor of Medway Cllr Trevor Clarke said: “It is a great honour and a great privilege. We are delighted to have the Princess Royal here.

“We have almshouses in Medway, we do look after our military, and it is a great honour to have her come and recognise that for us.”

MP for Rochester and Strood, Lauren Edwards, added: “I had a really nice chat with her. She was asking me how long I’ve been in the area and a bit about my background.

Chairman of the governors, Lieutenant Commander Stephen Small. Picture: Finn Macdiarmid

“I think she was running a little bit late because she was so keen to speak to so many people, which is always a lovely sign.

“It was lovely to meet her in person for the first time. I think she is probably my favourite royal. She is quite no-nonsense and very hard-working, so it was a delight to meet her.”

The Hospital of Sir John Hawkins has been housing veterans and civilians in Chatham for more than 400 years, since it was founded by the Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1594.

Patronage was later taken over by Queen Elizabeth II and, following her death, was given to her daughter, Princess Anne, last year.

The almshouse was previously visited by the Queen Mother in 1984 when it reopened following a refurbishment, and then Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 to celebrate its 400th anniversary.

Liversage Trust: exciting £3m project in Derby

The Almshouse Association welcomes the start of a significant refurbishment project at the historic almshouses on London Road in Derby.

The £3 million scheme, led by The Liversage Trust, will see the sensitively managed renewal of the Grade II‑listed buildings, which date from 1836. The project aims to improve the quality, accessibility and sustainability of the accommodation while carefully conserving the historic character of the almshouses.

As part of the redevelopment, the existing homes will be reconfigured to create a smaller number of larger, more practical dwellings that better reflect modern living standards alongside the repair and retention of original architectural features. The number of homes will change from 23 to 17 and the works will include comprehensive internal refurbishment, new layouts, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms as well as improved accessibility. Externally, the historic façades will be conserved using traditional, conservation‑led techniques.

The project has secured grant funding from Homes England, alongside substantial investment from the trust itself, demonstrating the vital role of partnership funding in supporting almshouse charities to adapt historic assets for long‑term use.

This scheme provides a strong example of how almshouses can continue to meet contemporary needs while preserving their heritage and community value for future generations.

A £3m project is underway at the historic almshouses in London Road, Derby

_{10 April 2026}

Improvement works at The Almshouses of the Holy Name

A Case Study

The Almshouses of the Holy Name is a small charity based in Hurstpierpoint, comprising a terrace of six cottages built in 1939. The almshouses support people from the local area aged over 60 who are, in the words of the charity’s governing document, in “necessitous circumstances”.

Since Autumn 2024, the charity has undertaken a major programme of works to address long-standing infrastructure issues, improve safety and energy efficiency, and secure the long-term viability of the site (which will be completed in Spring 2026).

The project was made possible through a loan of £78,500 from The Almshouse Association, contributing to a total project cost of over £100,000.

The Trustees of The Almshouses of the Holy Name have kindly documented their project in detail for us to share as a case study. We hope their experience will both inform and inspire other almshouse charities, as well as those who may wish to support almshouses through a donation or a gift in their Will.

When almshouse charities face major repair costs or seek to expand provision for people in need, financial support can make the difference between decline and sustainability. As part of its member services, The Almshouse Association provides grants and loans to help charities struggling with funds to maintain and develop their housing.

Why the work was needed

By 2024, it had become clear that a number of critical elements of the almshouses were reaching the end of their serviceable life. These included:

Ageing water supply infrastructure, which was close to failure
No roof insulation, resulting in poor energy efficiency
Outdated bathrooms, across all six dwellings
Unsafe gas meter locations, requiring urgent relocation
Outbuildings in very poor condition
Damaged fencing and dangerous paving, creating access and safety risks
General fabric issues, including pointing and roof tiles

Alongside these physical risks, the trustees became increasingly aware, during the application process itself, that the level of weekly maintenance contribution (WMC) would need to rise significantly.

This process was handled carefully and sensitively to minimise concern for the residents and the WMC has now reached a level which will afford the Charity some real financial security whilst also remaining attainable (and considerably below market value) for current and future residents. Without substantial intervention, the trustees considered it likely that multiple systems would eventually fail, potentially causing disruption, safety issues, and unplanned emergency expenditure.

What was done

Although no grant funding was secured, The Almshouse Association offered the amount required as a loan, enabling the trustees to proceed with a comprehensive and coordinated programme of works.

The funded works included:

renovation of the entire water supply system, both internally and externally, ensuring modern, independently isolatable infrastructure.

installation of loft insulation across the whole property, alongside necessary re-boarding and remedial works.
renovation of the final three bathrooms, completing the upgrade of all six dwellings after the first three bathrooms had been paid for from the Charity’s own funds.
removal and replacement of gas meters, relocating them from unsafe positions.
replacement of dangerous paving, significantly improving access and safety around the site.
fire safety improvements, including a fire log book, warden training, and upgraded smoke alarms.
asbestos treatment and fencing repairs
works to the fabric of the building, with further pointing, roof tile repairs, and rear access path repairs scheduled for completion in spring 2026.

The trustees were fortunate to work with a contractor who not only carried out the bathroom renovations, but also identified the failing water infrastructure at an early stage and helped assemble a specialist team to address it (and other areas of the work) efficiently.

Impact for residents

The completed and ongoing works have had a clear and positive impact on residents’ daily lives. Outcomes include:

much more sanitary, modern bathrooms
safer gas and water infrastructure, reducing risk and anxiety

improved insulation, leading to warmer homes and better energy efficiency

upgraded outbuildings and external areas, improving usability and safety.

Residents have expressed gratitude for the improvements and have already noticed increased efficiency in heating and water supply. The works have delivered not only practical benefits but also greater peace of mind for residents and trustees alike.

Challenges and learning

As with any project of this scale, there were logistical challenges in coordinating works across an occupied site. However, the project has remained largely on budget, and unexpected issues were addressed collaboratively rather than becoming crises.

For the trustees, the project reinforced several key lessons:

The importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration
The value of acting before systems fail, rather than responding to emergencies
A sobering but valuable realisation that some issues had been allowed to drift over previous years, and that timely intervention prevented far more serious consequences.

Looking ahead

With the final elements of fabric and access works due for completion in Spring 2026, the almshouses are now in a far stronger position. The trustees are better equipped to plan sustainably, set realistic WMC levels, and ensure that the almshouses continue to provide safe, secure homes for older people in the local community for many years to come.

Trustees of The Almshouses of the Holy Name

Association £100,000 loan helps complete £1.946m restoration

Case Study: Fitzgerald Charity restoration of 14 almshouses in Seaford

When almshouse charities face major repair costs or seek to expand provision for people in need, financial support can make the difference between decline and sustainability. As part of its member services, The Almshouse Association provides grants and loans to help charities struggling with funds to maintain and develop their housing.

A £100,000 interest-free loan from The Almshouse Association enabled the Fitzgerald Charity to complete the final phase of a £1.946 million, nine-year refurbishment of 14 Grade II listed almshouses in Seaford.

Background

Fitzgerald Charity in East Sussex was founded in 1858 by John Purcell Fitzgerald, who endowed over 50 properties and land to fund almshouses built in phases between 1864 and 1893. Over time, property sales were converted into investments that supported major renovations in 1959 and 1982.

However, cost-cutting during the 1980s works led to defects, including roof and insulation failures, requiring significant remedial expenditure in the 1990s. By 2016, the trustees committed to a “back to first principles” approach — stripping each unit to its structural shell and rebuilding to modern standards while respecting the historic fabric.

The Project (2016–2025)

The refurbishment was delivered in four phases under professional supervision, addressing:

Structural reinforcement (including wall ties in early “bungaroosh” construction)
Full insulation and damp-proofing upgrades
Roof and chimney restoration
Modern services and improved layouts

Total cost: £1.946 million
Average cost per unit: c. £139,000

Despite careful financial planning and use of reserves, Phase 4 created a £52,000 shortfall. To avoid reducing specifications and compromising quality, the trustees applied for a £100,000 loan from The Almshouse Association.

Approval was granted within weeks (December 2024), providing essential assurance and enabling reinstatement of key heritage features — including a prominent four-pot chimney that restores architectural balance to the building.

Resident experience

Between 2021 and 2025, works were ongoing while residents (aged 66–93 at the outset) remained in occupation through managed decants. Despite dust, noise and disruption, not a single resident was lost during the programme. Several moved twice in order to return to improved homes – a testament to their attachment to the almshouses.

Impact of the loan

The Association’s loan:

Prevented specification cuts
Safeguarded heritage features
Removed the need to consider selling a detached block
Enabled completion of works to a consistent standard

Without this support, the trustees may have been forced into asset disposal, fundamentally altering the charity’s long-term sustainability.

Outcome

Completed in October 2025, the scheme now provides high-quality, affordable housing in central Seaford. Recent applications demonstrate strong demand, with new residents drawn from those facing homelessness via the local authority. Vacancy turnaround has averaged just one week.

More than 165 years after its foundation, the Fitzgerald Charity continues to fulfil its benefactor’s vision of providing a humane alternative to the workhouse, now with buildings restored to a standard that will serve future generations.

The £100,000 loan from The Almshouse Association was the critical final piece that ensured this ambitious and carefully executed restoration could be completed without compromise.

The loan from The Almshouse Association was crucial in enabling the Charity to complete the £1.946m restoration of 14 almshouses and continue their provision of affordable housing in the local area for people in housing need.

We would like to thank all the people and organisations who so kindly donate to The Almshouse Association and 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 2025, £1,198,500 was approved in new loans and grants totalled £50,000. 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.

posted March 2026

Association loan supports vital roof restoration at Watkinson Almshouses

Case Study: Watkinson Almshouses roof restoration

The Watkinson Almshouses in West Yorkshire recently benefited from this support, receiving a £25,000 loan to help fund the re-roofing of their four almshouse bungalows – essential works that would not have been possible without external assistance.

Historical Background

The four almshouses were built and endowed in the early 20th century by Emma Watkinson (1850–1923). Emma established the almshouses in memory of her parents, George and Jane Watkinson.

George Watkinson and his family were wool staplers, playing a key role in the regional textile economy by collecting and sorting fleeces and supplying raw materials to worsted manufacturers, carpet weavers, and knitting wool producers. Jane’s family were maltsters, supplying malt to local brewers. Together, the Watkinson family were part of the industrial success that shaped their community in the 19th century.

Despite the wealth generated in the region, Emma recognised that many hardworking individuals struggled to provide for themselves in old age. In response, she founded the almshouses to offer free accommodation, equipped with the modern conveniences of the time, for:

Former employees of the Watkinson family
Their descendants
Others from the local parish in need

Financial evolution and challenges

In the early 20th century, the almshouses were generously endowed. Each resident even received an annual allowance of £4.20 to assist with nursing costs – a significant sum at the time (equivalent to approximately £500 today, given that £1 from that era equates to roughly £120 today).

However, as decades passed:

Maintenance costs increased
Building standards evolved
The value of the original endowment diminished

Eventually, the endowment was exhausted. To ensure long-term sustainability, the Trust deed was amended to allow residents to make modest contributions toward maintenance costs.

Throughout this period, the Watkinson family has continued to oversee and care for the almshouses, maintaining Emma’s founding principles of community support and dignity in later life.

The Challenge: Essential roof replacement

By 2025, the roofs of all four bungalows required urgent replacement.

The scale and cost of the works placed significant strain on the Charity’s limited reserves. Without intervention, the condition of the buildings and the comfort and safety of residents would have been at risk.

The Solution: Almshouse Association loan support

The Almshouse Association stepped in with a £25,000 loan, enabling the Charity to proceed with the full re-roofing project.

This funding:

Protected the structural integrity of all four properties
Safeguarded residents from water ingress and future deterioration
Preserved the long-term viability of the almshouses
Ensured continued provision of quality homes for current and future beneficiaries

Impact

Thanks to The Almshouse Association’s support:

The four almshouses now have secure, weatherproof roofs
Residents continue to live in safe and comfortable homes
Emma Watkinson’s original charitable vision remains alive more than a century later

This case demonstrates how targeted financial support from the Association enables small almshouse charities to address critical capital works, sustain historic housing, and continue serving vulnerable members of their communities.

Conclusion

The Watkinson Almshouses are a powerful example of enduring philanthropy. While the financial landscape has changed dramatically since the early 1900s, the underlying need for secure, affordable housing remains constant.

Through partnership with The Almshouse Association, Emma Watkinson’s legacy continues, ensuring that those she intended to help still have a safe place to call home, over 100 years on.

The loan from The Almshouse Association was crucial in enabling the Charity to restore the roofs of their almshouses and continue their provision of affordable housing in the local area for people in housing need.

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.

posted February 2026

Kytson Cottages almshouses: Thermal upgrade project

CASE STUDY: The Charity of Sir Thomas and Lady Kytson

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses or support their plan to provide more almshouses for people in need in their area, 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 the Charity of Sir Thomas and Lady Kytson in Suffolk with a £25,000 grant and £29,000 loan to support the thermal upgrade and general renovation of their three almshouses covering external doors, chimneys/fireplaces, roof void insulation, lime rendering walls, timber frame repairs, electrics, plumbing and thatching.

The Charity writes:

“Twenty years ago the Guildhall Feoffment took over administration of three charming, thatched cottages which formed part of the Tudor estate of Hengrave Hall and had been dedicated as almshouses some time probably in the 19^th century.

Our Kytson Cottages, each around 350 years old, combine historic charm with the welcome and security of traditional almshouses. A recent programme of sensitive renovation has ensured that the cottages remain not only beautiful, but warm, healthy and fit for the future.

The work at Kytson Cottages has achieved our goals of careful conservation, use of traditional skills and modern technology, and will now secure the future of our historic homes for generations to come.“

Background

Kytson Cottages relied on electric storage heaters supplemented by open fires. With thin doors, no wall insulation and one chimney in poor condition (leading to two condemned fireplaces), residents regularly reported being cold in winter despite high energy bills.

Scope of Works

The Property Committee commissioned a survey to identify ways to improve thermal efficiency and provide warmer, more comfortable homes. Carter Jonas recommended:

Doors: Replacement with insulated, better-fitting doors
Wall Insulation: Installation of insulation panels
Fireplaces: Renovation and installation of stoves, including chimney adjustments
Exterior: Removal of concrete render, application of lime render and pargetting
Electrical: Installation of high-heat-retention (HHR) radiators and optical smoke/CO₂ detectors
Plumbing: Removal of cold-water tanks and installation of pressurised cylinders
Thatch: Ridge renewal planned in ~3 years

The Committee prioritised urgent works first, deferring the thatch and plumbing works for a later date. EPC modelling shows the cottages achieving a “C” rating once all the radiators are upgraded.

Listed building consent

Thurlow Architects submitted a Listed Building application, which was granted on 8 May 2025, with conditions relating to the fireplaces and pargetting.

Project approach and costs

To maximise value, individual contractors were engaged rather than adopting a turnkey solution, with Guildhall Feoffment coordinating logistics, site facilities, and health & safety. Feoffee and builder, Graham Mothersole was an invaluable source of expertise and information, providing essential guidance and contacts.

Where possible the Charity specified sustainable and natural building materials and invested in local craftspeople to provide bespoke fittings and finishes, which have preserved and enhanced the integrity of the buildings in their prominent village setting.

Estimated cost: £120,000 (or £100,000 excluding the plumbing and thatching). Pellet stoves were chosen over wood-burning stoves for safety, sustainability, and convenience.

Funding

As at 31 December 2024, Kytson Trust had available funds of circa. £70,000 (£53,000 investments, £16,000 cash) and with annual outgoings of around £15,000, this left a funding shortfall of £55,000.

Funding solutions:

Grant of £25,000 from The Almshouse Association
Interest-free loan of £29,000 from The Almshouse Association
£40,000 of Kytson Trust investments realised

Completed works (by end of 2025)

Electrical: All the internal works including new radiators, optical heat, smoke and CO₂ detectors (fully certified)
Plastering & Insulation: Concrete render removed; lambswool and Hereklith insulation installed; lime render and pargetting completed with Heritage Officer approval

Doors: Seven new insulated doors installed
Fireplaces: Wood pellet stoves installed, fireplaces renovated and new hearths added.

The final cost slightly exceeded estimates by £4,000, largely due to heritage-related plastering requirements and additional insulation. Savings were made with the hearths which were donated by Mothersole Buildings and Opulence Stoves agreed to ‘donate’ the additional work required in reinstating the fireplaces.

Future work & funding

Kytson Trust reserves will be around £30,000 – 40,000 post-project. Further works (thatch and plumbing) will require rebuilding reserves through WMC increases and/or fundraising. The Almshouse Association recommended reviewing WMC levels in 2026, based on Valuation Office guidance.

Residents’ feedback

Residents are delighted with their warm, comfortable homes and take pride in the improved appearance of the cottages.

The grant and loan from The Almshouse Association was crucial in enabling the Charity to make essential repairs and improvements to ensure they continue to provide affordable housing in the local area for people in housing need.

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.

posted February 2026

Chubbs Almshouses: a tale of two terraces

“An institution – but never institutional!“
Sent in by Sheila Seymour, Clerk

Chubbs Almshouses in Crewkerne comprise two adjoining terraces of charming two-storey, one-bedroom homes. One dates from the 1880s, the other as far back as 1604. Both are Grade II listed, each with its own character and history woven into the fabric of the town.

Recently, the time came to repaint the exterior woodwork. The Victorian terrace, with its smart, matching front doors, already presents a pleasing uniformity that residents were keen to preserve. The earlier terrace, however, tells a different story. Built in 1604, these homes open directly onto the pavement and have no front gardens. For years their doors were painted “Institution Brown” — serviceable perhaps, but rather dull and lacking in personality.

From institution brown to heritage bright

Because of the Grade II listing, any new paintwork had to fall within an approved Heritage Colour palette. Happily, Chubbs Almshouses are fortunate to have a professional artist living at either end of the 1604 terrace, both blessed with an excellent eye for colour. With their guidance, they saw an opportunity to brighten things up while remaining fully in keeping with the building’s historic status.

Residents were given a heritage colour chart and invited to choose. The doors could match, be paired, or each be entirely individual – the choice was theirs. The idea was met with great enthusiasm.

The transformation has been remarkable. Dennis and his assistant Mark, both trusted tradesmen and characters in their own right, carried out the work beautifully.

They did, however, find it difficult to keep to schedule, as passers-by frequently stopped to admire the new look and share their appreciation! Many commented that the colours have transformed the street and brought a real sense of joy to the area.

A street transformed

Indeed, since the repainting, three neighbouring houses have followed suit. What was once an unremarkable stretch of road has become something of a local talking point.

Chubbs Almshouses may be an historic institution, but they are anything but institutional. The individuality of their residents now shines through, and the street feels all the brighter for it.

posted 12 February 2026