Case Study: George Jones Trust Almshouses

Association grant funds new conservatories for two Gloucestershire almshouses

The village of Cranham, Gloucestershire, has two almshouses that were given to the village by local benefactor George Jones back in 1868 ‘to be occupied rent free by one widow and her family, or two widows without families’. These cottages eventually fell into disrepair but were renovated in the 1970s and are once again occupied. The qualification criteria have been broadened somewhat in line with modern times to people with a Cranham connection who are in need.

The one bedroom properties have limited floor area so the George Jones Trust explored ways of increasing liveable space. Initially an extension to the rear of each property was proposed, but after obtaining quotes from builders, the rising costs of building materials proved prohibitive. Plan B was to add a conservatory to each property which would increase the ground floor area and allow the residents to better enjoy a view of the garden.

Two quotes were received from local suppliers and C&L Windows & Conservatories, Gloucester was selected. From the start this company was really professional, easy to communicate with, and better still arranged for a local construction company to work with them on preparatory ground works, which made the project really straightforward from the point of view of the George Jones Trust.

The first stage of the project included the groundworks and moving oil lines as they impinged on the conservatory footprint.

The project was really quite straightforward and the whole installation from groundworks to completion was done and dusted within two weeks.  The quality of the work is impressive and the project was delivered on time and to budget. We’d like to recommend C&L Windows for the quality of their work, reliability and professionalism.

“The new conservatory has been an absolutely fantastic addition to the house. It provides an area that can be used all year long regardless of the weather. It brings the garden in and provides a peaceful space in nature in which to sit and read, or just watch the birds. I have found the space very calming since it has been installed. For me, with my Lupus, it has enabled me to get the sense that I am outside, without exposing myself to the sun’s rays which would make me unwell, so I am extremely grateful for this. It also provides me with additional space to entertain guests and can even have people around for a meal now with the fold away table I plan to get. I cannot believe how lucky I am to live in the almshouse and the conservatory has quite simply been the icing on the cake. Thank you so much.”

Resident Nic Granger

We’re really grateful to The Almshouse Association for their grant of £25,000 which contributed about 50% of the total cost involved. Our coffers are quite low as we’re about to embark upon a project to install solar panels and energy storage at the properties, which will use much of our funds, so the assistance of The Almshouse Association in contributing towards the conservatories is invaluable. The conservatories have really enhanced the wellbeing of our residents.

Can you help us build more almshouses and ensure those we have are the best they can be by making a donation to The Almshouse Association or leaving a gift in your Will?
To find out more about how you could help build and protect almshouses for generations to come, please click here.

Ewelme Almshouse Charity talks strategy

The Almshouse Association CEO Nick Phillips was pleased to be invited to the Ewelme Almshouse Charity Strategy meeting this week.

This 15th Century range of buildings and chapel displays the unique heritage value of the almshouse model. Gems of our national heritage, still providing homes for people in housing need today.

HISTORY OF EWELME ALMSHOUSES

The original founders of what are now known as the Ewelme Trusts were William and Alice de la Pole, the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk.

Alice’s father, Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, had acquired the manor of Ewelme when he married Matilda Burghersh, co-heiress of the Burghersh family. Alice was their only child. Alice married three times. Her first husband was Sir John Phelp, who she married when she was only ten, but he died just a year later. Her second husband was the Earl of Salisbury, who was killed in the Siege of Orleans in 1428, and her third husband was William de la Pole, the Duke of Suffolk. They had one son, John, who was born in 1442. Ewelme Manor was much extended by them from 1444 and subsequently became Ewelme Palace, a very large and impressive building surrounded by a moat. The existing Manor House was originally an outer part of the Palace and is the only part of it still remaining.

In 1437, King Henry VI had given the Duke and Duchess a licence to set up a Chantry Foundation and an almshouse for thirteen poor men at Ewelme. The income for running the Foundation and the almshouse was to come, as it still does today, from the endowment of estates owned by the de la Poles at Marsh Gibbon near Bicester, Ramridge near Andover, Conock in Wiltshire and Ewelme. The thirteen poor men were also expected to come from these estates. In exchange for their free board and lodging in the almshouse, the duties of the almsmen were to attend a number of daily services in the St John’s Chapel of the adjacent Ewelme Church in order to pray for the King, the Duke and Duchess and their successors, and all Christian souls.

One Chaplain, known as The Master, was in overall charge of the Almshouse and officiated at all the services in the Chapel. The second chaplain was the Grammar Master, who taught in the school, which was the third part of the Endowment to be built and is now the oldest primary school in England still in daily use. Boys were brought to Ewelme from the estates. They were fed, lodged, and taught Latin, hand writing, logic, philosophy and maths, in the hope that they would go on to Oxford to study. This was extraordinary in the 15th century when only the sons of the wealthy were able to go to Oxford.

The St John’s Chapel, built on the south side of the existing church during the same period as the Almshouses, contains the Duchess’s remarkable tomb. This is a very rare example of a cadaver tomb, and the only one in existence of a woman. Being part of the Endowment, the Chapel is maintained by the Trust and is used regularly by the almspeople and the children attending Ewelme School.

The Ewelme Almshouse was named ‘God’s House in Ewelme’ and that remains to this day as the formal name of the charity which administers the Trust’s Almshouse and Estates activities. It is registered with the Charity Commission as Charity No. 200581 and is governed by a Board of ten Trustees. The position of Master continues today, but is not vested in the Clergy.

posted 13 September 2023

Residents celebrate 90yrs with tea party

“The early summer sun shone for around 65 residents of WJ Mills Trust in Cornwall as they came together for a tea party to celebrate 90 years since the renaming of a street in St Day after the charity’s benefactor.

William John Mills, who was born in St. Day later moved to Devon where he built up the Duchess of Devonshire Dairy. He never forgot his roots and established the charity to look after the ‘poor and needy.’ Since 1933 the Trust has provided homes for around 500 local people right in the heart of this historic village.

The tea party coincided with annual festivities known as St Day Feast, which celebrates the area’s proud mining heritage. The event sees children and adults dancing through the streets in traditional dress to the sounds of the Carharrack and St Day Band.

The following day, local children were given the afternoon off to parade from their primary school, stopping to pay their respects at the end of Mills Street, which holds a very special place right at the heart of the village.   

The amount of good cheer and appreciation for the work of the Trust, was matched only by the amount of pasties, scones (jam first!) and pots of tea!”

Donna Birrell

Many thanks for sending in your story Donna, looks like you all had a fantastic day!
To have your almshouse story posted on our website, please email karenmorris@almshouses.org

posted 12 September 2023

Heritage almshouses throw open their doors

England’s largest festival of history and culture!

The country’s largest Heritage Open Days festival returns with a packed programme of FREE events, unwrapping England’s history of creativity and this September almshouses from all over England are taking part.

It’s wonderful to see so many member charities participating – this event not only provides an excellent opportunity for almshouses to share their rich historical backgrounds but also helps people understand their significant role in society.

The Heritage Open Days Festival is a fantastic platform for showcasing the heritage and stories of almshouses and contributes to the celebration of community spirit and the sharing of captivating narratives and anecdotes. It’s a great way for people to connect with their local history and appreciate the valuable contributions almshouses have made to their communities over hundreds of years.

To find our more, please click in the links below:

We are sure the Festival will be a great success and hope many people take the opportunity to visit and learn more about these cherished almshouses during this year’s Festival, which runs until September 17th. It’s a valuable initiative that fosters appreciation for history and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

posted 4 September 2023

Almshouse living: by the residents

Take a peek into the lives of Hopton’s Almshouse residents…

Hopton’s Almshouses were established in Southwark, London in 1752 and have been continually occupied since. They provide the opportunity for residents of the borough to remain in the heart of the city, actively engaged in the community in which they have lived for most of their lives.

The film on the website of Witherford Watson Mann Architects was commissioned as part of the on-going research into the views of older people on the value of remaining in their existing communities in the heart of busy urban locations. The findings underpin the design being developed by the Architects for a contemporary almshouse for the 21st century to be run by United St. Saviour’s Charity.

Nigel, Shamus and Barry talk about almshouse living and the importance of being able to live in their local community.

Click on the video at the end of the architects webpage below to view….

or to access the video directly

posted courtesy of WWM Architects 8 August 2023

Sloswicke’s Almshouse Charity expansion news!

Good things happen in 3s!

One of Retford’s oldest institutions took the limelight on the 25th May 2023 to celebrate the opening of their five new almshouses.

Sloswicke’s Almshouse Charity, which was established in 1658, is a Registered Provider with Homes England and now has 46 properties at 4 sites in the town.

In 2017 they seized the opportunity to acquire the former joiner’s workshop adjacent to their existing properties on Union Street in Retford. The new construction in 2023 is very timely as the original almshouses were built in 1823 and refurbished in 1983. The Union Street Almshouses came to Sloswicke’s on the merger of Charities in 1982.

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The new development not only allowed the Charity to increase the number of homes they own by a further five properties, but  includes 2 bungalows which is a welcome addition to the type of homes they offer. It also presented the Charity with the chance to work with conservation architects,  Soul Architects, to redesign the area to the rear of the combined Union Street properties to incorporate communal gardens, seating areas and a scooter store to benefit all the residents. This will allow the new residents to immediately feel part of an established community.

Sloswicke’s were the first member of the Almshouse Consortium to secure a grant allocation in the 2021-26 Homes England funding programme. Other funding for the project has been provided by The Almshouse Association, The Charity Bank and Sloswicke’s own reserves.

“These properties have been a long time coming, with many hurdles overcome on the way, but we have residents lined up for all 5 which demonstrates the need and confirms that the trustees efforts will benefit members of the local community, hopefully for centuries to come”

Tim Shuldham Chair of Trustees.

Congratulations to all the trustees, staff, architects and contractors who have worked so hard on this successful project – its wonderful to see plans and funds come to fruition, adding another five almshouses to the affordable housing stock in the UK and providing warm and safe homes in the community for people in housing need – in perpetuity.

posted 7 August 2023

Further reading: Sloswicke’s Almshouse charity to build extra flats and cottages in Retford – Lincolnshire Live

Founders Day celebrations at Eventide Homes

The Eventide Homes celebrated Founders’ Day on 21st July 2023. Residents, trustees, staff and guests enjoyed a barbeque in the almshouse grounds,  87 years after the first homes were built on the estate.

Ken Mantock, Chairman of the Charity, gave thanks to their Founder, Alderman JR Edgecombe, and the founding Trustees, for the legacy they have provided…

Alderman JR Edgecombe became increasingly aware of the growing number of cases of extreme hardship in Bournemouth during the 1930s. This was particularly so amongst women, who were left homeless and without adequate means of support.  In 1933, he was elected as Mayor, an office that he held for three years, becoming an Alderman, and it was during this time that JR Edgecombe envisaged a community of small villas where older people in need could find security in the latter part of their lives. By July 1936, the first two blocks had been built and were ready for occupation. A Community Hall was opened in July 1937 and was made possible thanks to the kindness of Sir Alexander Maclean (of toothpaste fame). Today there are 74 homes on the estate.

This was the first event held on this scale since the pandemic and Ken Mantock thanked the support shown by the community during that time. He personally thanked the local Post Office Master, the local Chemist, and the Community Champion from the local supermarket.  All went above and beyond in helping the residents of the charity during such a difficult time.

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Anne Filer, who was a guest at the event, and an ex-officio Trustee of the Charity herself during her term as Mayor, was amazed at the beautiful surroundings and publicly thanked the Trustees for their hard work in ensuring that the Charity is thriving today. 

To find out more about Eventide Homes, please click here and to read the Founders Day pamphlet.

posted 2 August 2023

Westminster Almshouse Foundation celebrate Founders Day

Westminster Almshouses Foundation (WAF) invite new Almshouse Association Chairman Willie Hartley Russell to celebrate Founders Day.

l-r: Lord Mayor, Sue Ford, Cllr Selena Short (also trustee), The Rev Graham Buckle & Willie Hartley Russell

[above photo -Association Chairman Willie Hartley Russell Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Patricia McAllister and Sue Ford Chair of Westminster Almshouses]

The event was also attended by the City of Westminster Lord Mayor Cllr Patricia McAllister, the charity trustees and the residents.

The Founders Day service and reception celebrated the occupation of the Westminster Almshouses Foundation in their current location at 42 Rochester Row. The present building was opened on St James’ day (25 July) 1882. The original almshouse, founded by James Palmer in 1656 was located a few minutes away in Palmers Passage, just off Victoria Street.

Over the years, the site has expanded & now provides accommodation for forty one residents.

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In 1656, Rev James Palmer founded almshouses in Palmer’s Passage for six poor old men and six poor old women together with a school for the education of twenty boys. He also encouraged Butler and Hill to make donations to create almshouses.

In 1675, Nicholas Butler founded two almshouses in Little Chapel Street near Palmer’s Passage for two of the most ancient couples of the best report and, in 1708, Emery Hill, a brewer and benefactor in the parish of St Margaret Westminster founded 12 almshouses and a school in Rochester Row on land leased from Westminster Abbey. 

All the almshouses were consolidated together into the United Westminster Almshouses and re-erected in Rochester Row in 1881-2.

The almshouses in 1882
The almshouses today

2021/2 AWARD WINNERS

Almshouse Association Award winners announced and celebrated at Members Day 2023.

Members Day had a buzz of excitement in the room when the Awards for 2021 and 2022 were announced by our Awards Committee Chair, Simon Pott. Members received warm applause as they took to their feet and collected their well-earned recognition and award certificates.

The Awards are a significant part of not only Members Day but also the almshouse movement. They highlight the dedication and hard work of our members in almshouse development and community spirit, epitomising the excellence that all our members are working towards. All our members are to be commended for their commitment, enthusiasm and devotion to their almshouses and their residents.

The Inspirational Homes Awards 2021/2022 Almshouse Association award winners

Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity, Leicester
A new three-storey extension providing a community ‘hub’. Eight self-contained one and two-bedroom flats on the first and second floor together with six single-storey dwellings, the provision of additional parking and a new bin store. A truly inspiring development.


Hallaton & Isabella Stenning Trust, Hallaton, Market Harborough
A beautifully built two-bedroom bungalow sits comfortably within its setting in a quiet lane in Hallaton. Trustees used a conscientious and sensitive approach to the design, ensuring no adverse impact on the heritage of adjacent properties and wider village.

Peter Birtwistle Trust, Peter Birtwistle House, Colne, Lancashire
An outstanding new build property of twelve supported one and two-bedroom flats. Local shops and amenities are close by and easily accessible enabling residents to continue to live independently in their local community.

Tibberton Almshouses, Gloucester
Exceptional improvements to four semi-detached almshouses carried out in stages over the past 10 years.


Great Shelford Parochial Charities, Cambridge
A stunning new development of 21 modern almshouses for individuals, couples and families on a green belt exception site. Triple-glazed throughout with air supply heat pumps and heat recovery systems.

The Poland Trust, Brockham, Surrey
A stunning new almshouse development which supports the local younger generation and is partly funded by the sale of five self-build plots that are capped at 80% of market value.

The Honywood & Douglas Charity, Lenham, Kent
A beautiful extension of an existing bungalow forming two one-bedroom homes, with the conversion of an existing historic outbuilding, creating a further one-bedroom property.
Communal gardens and close to important village amenities.

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The Gardens and People 2021/2022 Almshouse Association award winners


Penrose Gardens, Barnstaple Almshouses, Barnstaple, Devon
This award-winning garden design includes areas for vegetables, herbs and flowers, raised beds, allotment plots and sheds, ensuring something for everyone who lives at Penrose.

Frances Darlington Charity, Charnock near Chorley, Lancashire
In lockdown, a group of ladies from the community wanted to form a craft group. With no cost involved, the group meets up once a month in the chapel to enjoy each other’s company and share their skills and expertise.

Zeals Almshouse Charity, Chafyn Grove, Zeals, Wiltshire
Beautifully manicured and well-loved, low-cost gardens that welcome the whole community in for local events and to see their floral displays year-round.

Penrose Gardens, Barnstaple Almshouses
Frances Darlington Charity
Zeals Almshouse Charity

To read all about the award winning entries in full, please click on the links below:

The awards are for everyone to participate in and celebrate their achievements. They belong to all of you who are working on a daily basis to provide the best service you can for your residents. Help us celebrate your achievements by submitting an application for your 2023 projects and developments.

Details on how to submit your projects or developments for a 2023 Award will be posted on our website soon and will also appear in our Autumn Gazette.


Association welcomes new Chairman

We are delighted to announce that Willie Hartley Russell MVO DL, has been appointed as the new Chairman of The Almshouse Association.  The announcement was made on Thursday 15 June 2023 at the Association’s Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting.

Willie has been a dedicated member of The Almshouse Association Board of Trustees for 20 years, serving in significant roles as Chair of sub-committees, and as Vice Chairman of The Almshouse Association for the last six years.

Willie with the out-going Chair Elizabeth Fathi (2018 – 2023) at Members Day 2023

Willie is a highly regarded investment management professional with generations of family commitment to almshouses. He is a driving force in his local community having recently been High Sheriff of The Royal County of Berkshire (2021/2022), Vice President of the Berkshire Community Foundation, and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, ensuring that the important links with City Livery companies and The Almshouse Association are maintained.

Willie runs his own farming enterprise and has shown huge personal commitment to the almshouse movement, chairing the family foundation, The Hartley Trust, which dates back to 1393. The Trust has been in the family for nearly 400 years and is the tenth oldest almshouse foundation in the country.

Of his appointment as Chairman of The Almshouse Association Willie Hartley Russell said:

“Almshouses are about people – the people that occupy them and the volunteer trustees who manage them.  It is these people who provide the ‘community spirit’ that makes almshouse living so unique and enduring.

I am looking forward to being Chairman of The Almshouse Association. I want to build closer relationships with government and the housing sector to protect and enhance this exemplary form of community housing that is still so relevant today. I hope, too, that I can encourage more philanthropic support for the longevity of the movement.”

On Willie’s appointment, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, comments:

“I am delighted. Willie brings formidable experience to our leadership. With his financial career in investment management in the City he brings sound business acumen, and, with his long history of family commitment to almshouses, he has a depth of knowledge that can see the Association and the wider almshouse movement thrive and become robust for the next century.”

Cutting at the cake at the Association’s 75th Anniversary celebration
Willie Hartley Russell (second from left) with fellow board trustees, Clive Cook, Elizabeth Fathi and Paul Mullis

In the news:

  • The Almshouse Association Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell on Kennet News Radio – click on link below and slide to 30.21 to listen.

posted 22 June 2023, updated 24 July 2023