Almshouse Stories | The Almshouse Association

Message from CEO

People land on our shores from often, war-torn countries, families lost and afraid. What these people often wish to cling to, (second only to the freedom to live without immediate fear), are people that remind them of home – a micro community supporting each other. This need to be with others of a shared understanding happens with all of us, but is especially important with every refugee.

This week, the Government updated the Afghanistan Housing Portal – their description of affordable housing for independent living as stipulated – sounds like the framework of an almshouse model.

Almshouses are usually established for the people in most need as at the time the founder gifts their legacy, and this is such a sacred and valued gift. One could map the changes in needs in society through the almshouse model. From the 10^th Century, where almshouses were established for the sick, elderly and vulnerable outside the city walls, through the periods of leprosy, plague, war, industrial revolution homelessness, strife widows and industrial workers, all the way to today’s most in need.

I wonder if a future almshouse legacy will meet the needs of today’s vulnerable and lonely? Whether they are young people leaving care, young families with no fixed home or refugees. A legacy could go on for centuries offering warmth and hospitality to those most in need.”

Click here to find out more: Afghanistan housing portal – offer accommodation and other support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

_{Nick Phillips CEO The Almshouse Association}

The wonder of almshouses in Country Living

We were delighted to read Susy Smith’s recent column, ‘View from here’ in the June 2023 issue of Country Living, especially her opening caption that perfectly captures the almshouse movement message that almshouses are just as important today and in the future as they were in the past :

” They may be like a quaint architectural anachronism, but almshouses could be as relevant today as they ever were”

Her almshouse enlightenment tour came about when “ a low rise, very modern block of flats was built at one end of our high street in 2020. As my daughters were thinking about renting their own place, we eyed it with interest. We liked its contemporary style: simple shape, pale brick construction with striking cut-metal balconies, evidence of a roof terrace and two good cafes beneath. “That would be a cool place to live,” said one of my girls. “I wonder what the flats are like inside.” We never found out for, when I investigated further, I was surprised to learn that the residents in these flats are probably of retirement age, with limited financial means and a strong connection to the area….the flats, it turns out, are almshouses.

“Surely not?’ I thought. Almshouses are, in my experience, splendid historic buildings with interesting features: a clocktower here, a sundial or statue there, and always a stone plaque commemorating the benefactor who bequeathed the land or paid to have them built for the local poor. The ones I know best are the Grade II-listed Rickey’s Almshouses near Richmond in Surrey, which were built in 1834 in the Tudor Gothic style. I pass them regularly -and stop to admire the architectural details. With their over-tall chimneys, stone mullioned windows and impressive crenelated frontage, they certainty cut a dash amid the surrounding shops and suburban housing stock. This new block of flats couldn’t be more different. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further…. “

To read the article in full, please click here.

posted 8 June 2023

Case Studies from Taunton Heritage Trust

The Taunton Heritage Trust is an almshouse charity based in Taunton, Somerset. We provide 66 almshouse flats in the town for the over 60s in financial need. All our flats are adapted with the older person in mind and have walk-in showers and a 24-hour care alarm system. We also provide live-in Warden support.

[above photo: Grays Almshouse, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1635s | All photo credits: Taunton Heritage Trust]

Each of our sites has the benefit of a community room for the use of residents as well as communal laundries with washers and dryers provided and maintained by the Trust. We ensure our flats and communal gardens are maintained to a very high standard and provide all flooring and white goods in each flat. We also have guest suites so that our Residents’ friends and relatives are able to visit and stay over at minimal cost.

Each site is a special community in its own right. We have two very experienced wardens whose role is that of “good neighbour”. They visit our residents on a daily basis and are able to tailor their visits should a resident need some extra support. If for example, a resident has recently been unwell, had a fall or come home from a spell in hospital, our wardens are able to keep an extra special eye on that individual to ensure they are fully supported.

_{HUISH HOMES, a Grade II listed building built in 1868}

Our wardens organise a range of events and activities for the benefit of our residents and this includes regular coffee mornings, film afternoons, fish & chip suppers, race nights, charity fund raisers etc.

We never put our residents under any pressure to get involved, and some are very private individuals who like to keep themselves to themselves. We completely respect that fact but we work hard to ensure that our residents are never socially isolated and always have a friendly face to turn to if they have a problem.

HISTORY OF TAUNTON HERITAGE TRUST

The Taunton Heritage Trust is an amalgamation, achieved over the last century or so, of a remarkable collection of charitable trusts, funds and bequests originally for the benefit of needy people in Taunton but now extended to the inhabitants of the modern borough of Taunton Deane. Its origins were unknown to a Government Charitable Commission as early as 1611, but by then it was endowed with some fifty properties in the town centre and land in two Devon parishes. The involvement of Civic Officers in the distribution of doles suggests a pre-Reformation origin in the brotherhoods established in the town’s principal church, St Mary’s, in the 15th century.

Charitable housing was part of that same attempt to help the poor in the 15th century, culminating two centuries later in several independent almshouse foundations, two of which, by Richard Huish and Robert Gray, were singularly well endowed. All at different times were supported by and later amalgamated with the Civic Foundation, bringing with them educational interests and as well as a long tradition of sheltered housing coupled with financial support.

Surviving records of the charities tell a story of help given to thousands of the most vulnerable in the town and neighbourhood, and of a succession of townsmen and women and others, giving their time as Trustees to ensuring that the generosity of the past continues to be effective in the future.

The Trust has a fascinating document put together by the Arts Society on the Chapel at Grays Almshouses

click here to view

Due to the very special nature of what we offer at the Taunton Heritage Trust, there is no doubt that some of our residents are able to live independently within our schemes for longer than if they were living elsewhere in the town on your average street.

Some of our residents are well into their nineties, and because of the sheltered nature of what the Trust provides, are able to still live with dignity and a great quality of life, behind their own front door, in the knowledge that help is always on hand.

As well as the support that our wardens provide, our residents look out for each other and there is a real sense of belonging and caring.

The following are some special case studies regarding residents, that have been prepared by our wardens. It is so apparent that our wardens develop a very special relationship with their residents:

“This gentleman joined us in December a couple of years ago. He had lived in his own mobile home on a site for over 25 years, but on return from hospital, he realised that his home was no longer fit to live in, as it had deteriorated so badly. It was also unsaleable.

The gentleman was invited in for an interview where he came across as being very independent although his mobility was limited. We felt he was in need and that we could offer him a ground floor flat with 24 hr support through the piper line and warden. He very happily accepted and was very aware that he would have to arrange a package of care when needed.

This gentleman has now lived independently in his own almshouse for 18 months, and due to his terminal illness, regularly visits the local hospice. We have been able to provide him with the support to enable him to maintain his independence and dignity and to ensure the final months of his life are comfortable. He enjoys a daily warden visit.”

In his application he was completely honest and open about his medical condition which is serious and will shorten his life expectancy. He had a short spell in a Nursing home for respite which he did not enjoy, as he felt that he was far too independent and mobile and not ready for this stage.

“This gentleman joined the Trust in back in 2011, having suffered a massive stroke and that left him with a severe right-side weakness.

On his discharge from hospital, his wife refused him access to his home (which was in her name only) and so he was declared “homeless “by the Local Authority. They offered him upstairs single room accommodation at a local hotel, which he accepted. He applied to the Trust for a ground floor flat, being totally independent with his personal care, finance and mobility, and was successful, He remains with us today, living completely independently but enjoying the benefits of 24 hour support through the warden’s visits and the helpline. There is no doubt that he is extremely happy.”

“Resident M was 61-years-old when she came to the Trust and has been with us for 27 years. She was divorced from her husband before moving to Taunton to be closer to family and friends. In her younger days she worked as a supervisor at Woolworths.

M was given the choice of two vacant flats at the time and she decided to have the smaller one which is our only flat that is still a bedsit with the bedroom and living room together; this was ideal for her as it is in a private location overlooking our lovely gardens.

M is a very quiet, solitary lady and lives a very independent life, but she is one of our characters. She has a very quiet presence yet participates in every event within the community, even if she insists that she ‘can’t be bothered with it’! Our warden usually sets the bait with a homemade cake or something tasty and lo and behold she will always turn up and usually is the first to arrive! She is encouraged to join in as her life is quite lonely, however, this is the way she likes to live. She has a poor relationship with her family who have only recently become more supportive since M has been diagnosed with dementia.

At present her mental health is deteriorating but she has surprised us all by accepting help with a carer coming in once a day to prepare lunch and assist with small chores or do shopping. We hope that with the support that we are able to provide, that M will continue to stay with us as long as possible.”

“Resident D has been with us for a year. He is a former homeless man and he is slowly adjusting to a more comfortable life in Trust accommodation. He had been sleeping in an old camper van for over two years and was accessing facilities at a local homeless charity. He was referred to us by a support worker from the homeless charity, initially bringing him along to an Open Morning. D was very distrustful and both the support worker and members of the Trust staff had to work quite hard to persuade D to take up our offer of a flat.

D is a single man and gave up his business so that he could care for his elderly parents who have now both died. He settled in to his flat well, although he still displays traits of having an unconventional lifestyle! D is a quirky character with a great sense of humour, and he mixes well within our community. He has been offered help with furniture etc, but he prefers to sleep on a camp bed and use only a camping chair. The Trust has been able to provide him with a stable home in a safe environment and he has built up a good level of Trust with his warden and close neighbours.”

Mr M is a 68-year-old man who had been living with his partner of 37 years, unfortunately the relationship broke down and his partner had terminated the lease on their rented property giving him a fortnight to find other accommodation. He was working part time as a chef but did not have any savings and was not at that time of pensionable age. He came to the Trust for help on 1^st of October in desperate need and very low in mood, fortunately we did have a vacant flat available, but it needed some refurbishment, we basically moved heaven and earth to get the flat ready and Mr M moved in on the 14^{th of} October.

He moved in without a stick of furniture, not even a kettle, we therefore issued him a grant where he was then able to purchase essentials.

Mr M has now been with us for three years and is a model Resident and extremely proud of his flat, he is truly a different man now than he was when we first met. He puts his cheffing skills to good use, often doing barbeques on our event evenings, he is also now in receipt of his state pension, so financially is in a much better position and a very happy man! In a recent conversation I have had with him, he said that moving into his almshouse flat has been the best thing to happen to him, as he is now worry free and no longer in the dark place he was once in.”

Resident D is a 78-year-old widow and arrived in this country from Australia in 2018 courtesy of the Office for Migration. All three of her children are in Australia and whilst living there with her daughter, she tried to get a permanent resident visa so she could be granted state benefits but was unsuccessful. She was staying in temporary accommodation at the time and was referred to the Trust by a local Housing Officer. Being in a community and having the security of living within the Trust appealed to her.

Having no income and few belongings, the Trust granted her money to purchase essential furniture, and after sourcing items from charity shops, it was not long before she adapted and made her little dwelling look lovely and homely. D began to slowly settle in, but her heart was sad because was also still missing her husband who had died four years previously; and then she was forced to leave her family and the new life that she had made.

I referred D to a befriending charity and for a while she appreciated the weekly phone call but was not up for joining in the monthly tea party that they organise. D is a quiet, gentle soul and is very positive lady who enjoys good humour. She soon developed a friendship with another lady, also a widow living on that site, a rather larger-than-life character who liked to know everyone and everything! They soon became inseparable and started doing everything together: going to the coffee morning that we started up on that site; trips to the local supermarket most days, Trust Christmas events and summer outings; breaking lockdown rules together and sometimes even having a bit of a moan between themselves! It was a good friendship and D appeared very much happier. Sadly, her friend collapsed one day and was taken into hospital. For many weeks D was without her friend who eventually passed away.

The weeks following, D understandably seemed quite low in spirits, so I took more time to chat with her on my visits. For a while she lost her spark again and initially, she expressed no interest in doing much, but over time and with gentle encouragement, I managed to get her to come to the coffee morning on our main site. This was quite daunting for her on her own, so I walked up with her the first couple of times, having made everyone aware that she was joining us. It was wonderfully heart-warming to see how well she was welcomed into the group She sits with her cuppa having a good old natter and now regularly attends many events that myself and the residents organise.

Before her friend died, D volunteered in a local charity shop, and she told me that after lockdown they never asked her back. I could sense her disappointment and rejection and I recently had a conversation with someone who knew D and worked in the shop. The lady told me that they never asked her back because she kept talking to customers. I remarked that to me this would not matter, and it was a shame as D enjoyed the company, and that surely it should be a positive thing to chat to customers and good for business! Knowing this lady well, I knew that my comment would probably be passed on – and it was! D’s face was beaming recently when she told me that the Manager had apologised for not calling her sooner and that would be very pleased to welcome her back!

One last thing – I am awaiting a message from her daughter in Australia who has recently been unwell in hospital and misses her Mum too. Hopefully, I will be able to arrange for D and her family to facetime soon, and before Christmas as I know this will be very lonely time for her. “

The Almshouse Association is thankful to Taunton Heritage Trust, to the wardens and the residents for sharing their stories with us. If you would like to find out more about the Trust, please visit their website here.

posted June 2023

WW1 Compass returned to almshouse founder’s family

A First World War compass owned by the son of Cardiff shipping magnate, Liberal Party MP and High Sheriff of Monmouthshire Sir William Henry Seager (1862-1941) has finally been returned to his family in Wales. The Cardiff family founded W.H Seager & Co in 1904, a global shipping company which operated from Cardiff docks until the 1960s.

William Seager Jr (known as Willie) a 2^nd Lieutenant in the South Wales Borderers was killed in action in France in February 1916 aged 23.

In 1939 Sir William Seager established the Willie Seager Memorial Trust in honour of his son, which provided homes to retired seafarers and their wives in Cardiff. The Trust is today an almshouse managed by Aelwyd Housing and continues to provide homes for seafarers and dockworkers.

After Lt Seager’s death, the compass came into the hands of his Regimental Sargent Major George Lockie who served with him on the front. Over 100 years later the compass was inherited by descendants of George Lockie who found it was engraved and set out to find out more about the soldier it had belonged to.

Alan Lloyd a great grandson of George Lockie said

“ We have no idea how our great grandfather came to be in possession of the compass, but once we saw the inscription, we knew we had to find out more about Willie Seager and hopefully return the compass to his family. We were amazed to find he came from a family that was such an important part of Welsh history and his legacy lives on today through the provision of homes for retired seafarers.”

Alan and his cousin Lorraine who both live in England contacted the Willie Seager Memorial Trust which was able to connect them with the living relatives of Willie Seager. The two families met up in March 2023 in Cardiff to exchange the compass, and Alan and Lorraine were given a book about the life of Willie Seager by his great-niece Jane Edmonds.

Jane Edmonds who lives in Aberystwyth said

“I have no words to say how grateful we are to Alan and Lorraine. They have done a wonderful thing for our family and returned a precious item owned by my great uncle who was so tragically killed in the First World War.”

The Chair of the Willie Seager Memorial Trust Captain Hywel Jones said,

“The return of the compass to Willie Seager’s family was a very moving moment, with lots of tears. We all remembered the sacrifice and legacy of a young man whose name is still spoken every day as we provide homes to retired seafarers in housing need.

Willie Seager’s niece Jane Edmonds intends to take the compass around the UK to show it to Seagar family members, before finding it a suitable home in Wales where it can be viewed by the public.

Posted June 2023

Live longer – live in an almshouse?

“So where are the next community philanthropists coming from?“

By: Nick Phillips CEO | The Almshouse Association | 25 May 2023

“The possible solution to helping create a happy, longer life may have been staring us in the face for one thousand years!

BAYES (Business School) – City University has just released the results of research undertaken to ascertain if people live longer in almshouses. This study, based on an original report carried out with Whitely Village in Surrey*, highlighted that women did indeed live longer in an almshouse.

The BAYES study follows two leading studies that have recently emerged, the first being The National Institute of Aging** emphasising that loneliness has the equivalent negative health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and the Harvard Study of Adult Development ***(The longest study into well-being), which identifies that friendships and relationships make the difference between a healthy happy life and a restricted unhealthy life. Case made! If we could think of a form of living environment that was designed to encourage community and companionship surely this would be the way forward – the Avant Guard!

Maybe we need to look back to find the solution for the future…..

Almshouses were established from gifts or legacies over the past 1000 years and the almshouse movement is still thriving today. They are run and managed by charities and are available for those in need and often sited in beautiful historic buildings. The almshouses are designed to create communities of people living independently, but together. Each resident has their own cottage or flat but shares a courtyard or common areas with other residents where, on a sunny day, more tea and cake is consumed than at a coronation street party.

The BAYES study has identified, in many cases, people can actually live longer in this type of accommodation. It is widely thought that this small-scale charitable housing model, led by volunteer trustees, can create a warm hospitable community.

Almshouses are the ultimate in direct community action and philanthropy. The next big question is not so much “can the almshouse model make life so much better for those who live in the community?” – but “when and where are the next almshouse charities going to be formed?” The last ‘legacy almshouse’ was established in 1983 – the first in 990 AD and there are 1,700 almshouse charities gifted in between. We need more!

A housing model for local people, exempt from the Right to Buy, in perpetuity for centuries. Where are the philanthropists setting up new almshouses for young people, those leaving care and needing a home and kinship? We have refugees needing the warmth of a small community, people leaving prison with no home and a few pounds in their pocket needing an opportunity to rebuild their lives, and tenant farmers without a home in the rural community. “

To read the report, please click here

Ceremonial bread presentation tradition continues

The recently revived traditional Richard Smith for Bread donation of bread to almspeople took place on Wednesday 17 May outside 6 Guild Cottages Almshouses, Church Street Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Mayor of Stratford Gill Cleeve undertook this tradition of the giving out of the bread.

“Municipal Charities do a marvellous job of providing accommodation for 47 residents in their almshouses and it’s great to be able to continue this ancient tradition of giving out bread from the Richard Smith charity for Bread”
The Mayor Gill Cleeve

Richard Smith left money in his will of 14 June 1695 for the distribution on bread to “eighteen poor people”. Now, each year, the Richard Smith for Bread Charity receives a donation of £30 from the Governors of King Edward VI Grammar School for distribution of bread to alms people.

The Chief Officer William Clemmey said,

“We are grateful to Mor Bakery for providing the bread for the revival of this tradition. We offer our residents housing as well as grants at Christmas and Easter together with a range of outings throughout the year. If you know anyone who would like to become a resident then do get in touch”

The photograph shows the Mayor distributing bread to two of the residents accompanied by two trustees and two staff from Municipal Charities.

Anyone wishing to become a resident should get in touch with the Charity at the Guild Cottages address or by email to chiefofficer@municipal-charities.org.uk or via their website https://www.municipal-charities.org.uk/.

posted 24 May 2023

Almshouses in the national news!

Today in the Guardian, journalist Amelia Hill explores almshouses and the impact they are having on their residents.

‘Affordable and stress free’: how almshouses are the unsung heroes of UK social housing

She writes:

Every morning after he gets up, Gary Hiercock presses a green button outside his bedroom. That’s how the warden of his Leicester almshouse knows he’s up and about – that he hasn’t had a fall or become ill overnight.

“It’s just one example of how everything is thought of here: nothing is left to chance: everyone is safe at every moment of the day,” said the 71-year-old former department store manager. “I have absolutely no worries at all here. I’m completely content.”

Hiercock has lived in the Wyggestons Almshouses in Leicester for just over a year, since his partner of 53 years had to go into a care home with advanced Alzheimer’s.

“I start every day feeling happy and grateful to be here,” he said. “I was very isolated where I lived before but here, everyone is so friendly. If I’m ever feeling a bit lonely, I just need to go for a stroll and I’ll come across someone to do something with.”

To read the article in full, please click on the link here:

See also:

[Top photo: Kim and Terry Baxter at the second viewing of their new almshouse flat in Southwark, London. Photograph: Sean Smith/The Guardian]

posted 22 May 2023

Study finds living in an almshouse can boost life expectancy

Living in an almshouse can boost the longevity of its residents by as much as two-and-a-half years compared to their counterparts in the general population, according to a new Bayes Business School report.

Almshouses provide affordable community housing for local people in housing need. They are generally designed around a courtyard to provide a ‘community spirit’, that is synonymous with the almshouse movement. They offer independent living but provide friendship and support when needed.

Analysing up to 100 years’ worth of residents’ records from various almshouses in England, the research suggests that living in these communities can reduce the negative impact on health and social wellbeing which is commonly experienced by the older population in lower socioeconomic groups, particularly those individuals who are living in isolation.

The results are very encouraging. They show that, for several of the almshouses included in the study, residents can expect to live as long as wealthier members of the general population despite coming from the most deprived quintile. This shows that the disparity in longevity and health outcomes could be mitigated even after reaching retirement age, provided a suitable social infrastructure can be put in place.
The report, authored by Professor Ben Rickayzen, Dr David Smith, Dr Anastasia Vikhanova and Alison Benzimra, concludes that almshouses could help the Government’s aims to reduce inequalities in mortality, which are observed between socioeconomic groups, by reducing the social isolation experienced by many in the older population.

“We are delighted to read this report. It is further evidence that the almshouse model – 1,000 years after its inception – seems to be adding something special to the lives of residents. There is a growing body of research that is suggesting this model of community housing seems to be right for the future. This must now beg the question, where are the philanthropists to lead this robust charity housing model into the next century?”
Nick Phillips, CEO, The Almshouse Association

“It is well known that, on average, the lower a person’s socioeconomic status, the lower their life expectancy. However, intriguingly, our research has found that this doesn’t have to be the case. We discovered that many almshouse residents receive a longevity boost when compared to their peers of the same socioeconomic status from the wider population. More research is needed to ascertain exactly what factors cause almshouse residents to have a longer life; however, we postulate that it is the sense of the community that is the most powerful ingredient. For example, a common theme within the almshouses included in the study is that they encourage residents to undertake social activities and responsibilities on behalf of their fellow residents. This is likely to increase their sense of belonging and give them a greater sense of purpose in their everyday lives while mitigating against social isolation.

We would encourage the Government to invest in retirement communities, such as almshouses, which would be in keeping with their overarching levelling up agenda. While this agenda is commonly associated with enhancing equality on a regional basis, it is important that levelling up should also aim to combat health inequalities experienced by people from lower socioeconomic groups across the country. There is an opportunity to improve the Government’s levelling up agenda by incorporating the best features of communal living into their social housing policy. This should make a significant difference to the quality of life experienced by the older population across the UK.

The findings from this research are important as they could offer solutions to the social care problems currently being experienced in the UK.” Professor Ben Rickayzen, Professor of Actuarial Science at Bayes Business School

‘Almshouse Longevity Study – Can living in an almshouse lead to a longer life?’, the report’s key findings are:

Residents in almshouses in England receive a longevity boost relative to people of the same socioeconomic group from the wider population.
The best-performing almshouses in the study so far have shown a longevity boost which increases life expectancy to that of a life in the second-highest socioeconomic quintile – a remarkable outcome.
As an example, the authors estimate that a 73-year-old male entering an almshouse such as The Charterhouse today would receive a longevity boost of 2.4 years (an extra 15% of future lifetime at the point of joining) compared to his peers from the same socioeconomic group, and 0.7 years when compared to an average 73-year-old from the general population.
This longevity boost could be due to both the strong sense of community and social belonging within almshouses which lead to better physical and mental health. Enhanced wellbeing helps to mitigate loneliness which is endemic in older age groups.

“Many almshouse trustees and staff members anecdotally believe that almshouse living is beneficial for residents. The results from this study demonstrate that the community spirit provided by almshouses does in fact result in longer life expectancy. These findings are encouraging to those living and working in the almshouse community and provide the motivation to continue to explore what it is about almshouses’ physical design and support services that result in positive outcomes for older residents. This study strengthens the case that this historic form of housing is addressing the evolving needs of older people living in our modern-day society.”
Alison Benzimra, a co-author of the report and Head of Research at United St Saviour’s Charity

“It’s been great to support this piece of work and to see it take its place in the wider body of work about the characteristics of age-friendly living spaces and supportive communities. A one-hundred-year life is now a realistic expectation and we need to build on this learning to create the homes and communities that will be so important for the health and wellbeing of us all.”
Susan Kay, Chief Executive of Dunhill Medical Trust

“Moving to Hopton’s Gardens has been a godsend. To have a roof over my head has helped me to deal with my addiction issues, and having the support from the staff and my neighbours has made my recovery possible.”
Nigel Hulme, a resident of the United St Saviour’s Charity almshouse, explained how much living in the almshouse has helped him in his later years:

Bayes Business School (formerly Cass)

Bayes Business School is a leading global business school driven by world-class knowledge, innovative education, and a vibrant, diverse community. The School has been at the forefront of business education for more than 50 years, developing leaders who help businesses thrive through change and uncertainty.

Located in the heart of one of the world’s top financial centres, the School has strong links to both the City of London and the thriving entrepreneurial hub of Tech City.

www.bayes.city.ac.uk

The Almshouse Association

Almshouses are a charitable form of self-sufficient, low-cost community housing that is held in trust for local people in housing need. They are managed and run by almshouse charities made up of local volunteers and have been in existence for over 1,000 years.

Today, over 36,000 people are living full and independent lives in almshouses, finding friendships, well-being, safety and security inside their walls and within their communities. Through representation, fundraising, donations and legacies, The Almshouse Association is working hard with local authorities and the Government to make it possible for many more to be built as well as securing the heritage of these historic buildings.

www.almshouses.org

Why Derby’s almshouses are still important today

Writer for Great British Life, Louise Jones, discovers how Derby’s oldest charity is evolving to meet modern needs and explores why Derby’s almshouses are still important today.
Published 21st March 2023

[Top image: Liversage Almshouses, London Road, Derby (Image: Flickr, (CC BY 2.0))]

‘The Liversage Trust has the distinction of being Derby’s oldest charity.

Established in 1529 during the reign of Henry VIII by Robert Liversage, a Derby businessman, the Trust is an Almhouses Charity which offers accommodation, care and grants to Derby residents in need.

The history of almshouses can be traced all the way back to medieval times, when religious orders were responsible for cared for the poor. Originally known as ‘bede houses’, the oldest almshouse foundation still in existence is believed to be the Hospital of St Oswald in Worcester, founded circa 990. By the mid-1500s, around 800 bede houses were in existence across the country, however Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries meant many were either sold to landowners or simply left to ruin.

Derbyshire’s Liversage Trust has come a long way since its formation in Tudor times.

Now, nearly half a millennium later, it has a varied, well managed, professional property portfolio comprising 160 Almshouses, a 40-bed care home and a variety of commercial units and residential properties across the city of Derby that provide the charity with a steady and consistent income stream to enable its continuity.

As you’d expect from a charity with such history in the local area, the Trust makes a significant contribution to Derby’s proud heritage. It has maintained almshouses in the area since the 17th century, including many important and historically-significant buildings, but most of the homes within its portfolio were built in the 1900s.

This portfolio has now been managed, conserved and developed by Matthew Montague Architects for over four decades; initially by Montague Architects and subsequently by Matthew Montague Architects.

Paul McLocklin, now consultant architect with Matthew Montague Architects, has been working with The Trust for much of that time. In 1976, Paul was the architect responsible for an extensive refurbishment programme of the Trust’s Nottingham Road Estate. Little did he know that, 40 years later, he would lead the team to complete another refurbishment of the same estate which is now one of the city’s most important conservation areas.

Paul was again integral to another project of note, the conversion of the former Liversage Arms into apartments in 2012. At this time, the public house was disused and in a very poor state of repair. Yet it was, and remains, an important element of the Nottingham Road Estate. An extensive restoration programme saw the building converted into six apartments and the conversion received several prestigious conservation awards.

_{Almshouses have existed across England since Tudor times (Image: Rob Atherton/Getty Images Plus)}

Following the successful completion of this scheme, another building on Nottingham Road was converted, creating a further eight units, which was completed in 2017.

“The Liversage Trust was my first job, I was a junior with T.H. Thorpe & Partners at the time,” says Paul. “It has been a real privilege to see The Trust – so important to Derby – develop and grow over the years and I am proud to have played a part. Some of the jobs have not been without their challenges but I wouldn’t change a thing, it is a fantastic institute within the city.”

The flagship London Road Almhouses, constructed in 1836, are Grade II listed and are landmark buildings within Derby. In order to preserve and enhance these important listed buildings, they are naturally subject to strict restrictions and conditions for maintenance, repair and restoration. The homes remain in high demand and occupancy levels are consistently at 100%. However, the needs of clients are changing and The Trust is invested in preserving the properties for the future.

To that end, last year was a milestone year for the charity, with the Board of Trustees agreeing to explore renovation works for the city’s Almshouses.

_{London Road almshouses (Image: Matthew Montague Architects)}

“London Road is a flagship site for The Trust, it was built in the 1830s and has provided homes for Derby residents for a long time”, adds Andy Mellors, general manager at The Trust, “however, expectations and requirements have changed. We want to be able to continue to rent the houses and in order to do that, we need to modernise and improve them for the next 100 years.”

The cottages, for example, currently have steep, narrow stairs, small kitchens that can’t be equipped with washing machines (the facilities are currently communal) as well as out-dated heating systems.

Ashbourne-based Matthew Montague Architects (MMA) have completed feasibility works to evaluate the possibilities and future proof the homes. The exterior of the buildings cannot be changed. Designs and plans have been compiled to reconfigure the internals of the properties, reducing the number of units whilst making significant improvements, offering residents more space.

MMA are currently working with Historic England on all stages of the project prior to any pre-app being submitted to Derby City Council.

“London Road is an important part of Derby’s heritage,” says Matthew Montague. “Though the works are complicated, they will preserve the almshouses for the future’”

Many years ago, the same site had its own mortuary, now the main offices for The Trust. In order to not reduce the number of homes available on London Road, the proposed plans will convert these buildings and the communal laundry into bungalows; reducing only slightly the amount of accommodation available overall.

Plans are now afoot to convert the current offices, which will see the offices relocate to Alice Street, part of the Nottingham Road Estate, where The Trust currently has a workshop.

With the Trust currently employing 55 people, the new offices will also allow it to potentially expand the team and grow resources.

Planning Permission has been granted by Derby City Council to convert the existing workshop/storage buildings on Alice Street into offices, a new workshop and stores for the Trust’s maintenance team, including demolition of the storage building to the east of the site and the construction of a parking courtyard.

The existing building will be converted sympathetically with its original appearance, maintaining the character of the conservation area by the careful selection of replacement windows and doors, matching slate roof and reuse of existing openings where possible.

_{The gates to the current Liverage Trust offices (Image: Flickr, (CC BY 2.0))}

As well as its undoubted legacy, the Trust is also for the here and now.

It offers grants to those in need of financial support, with the current cost of living crisis significantly increasing demand, with the new offices enhancing its ability to respond to the rising demand for support.

“The pandemic was a difficult time, we continued working and protected our residents and clients as best we could, although we did see a decrease in demand for our services,” concludes Andy Mellors, general manager at the Liverage Trust.

“The cost of living crisis on the other hand has seen a massive increase in demand for services and grants, and we significantly increased the number of grants given in 2022.”

“The stronger the Trust is, the more capable we are to help more people. These developments are all key parts of the plan to strengthen our future. Plans do not stop there. We have ambitious longer-term plans too, with a commitment to increasing the number of almshouses in our portfolio, and feasibility studies have been prepared for other sites the Trust owns. It’s an exciting time for the Trust.”‘

Sutton Coldfield’s refurb completed

£870,000 refurbishments to almshouses in Sutton Coldfield completed.

by Matthew Panter
in Express and Star, 26 April 2023

A second phase of work has been completed on Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust’s Almshouses, which have undergone an £870,000 refurbishment to upgrade the residents’ facilities, the Guest Room and the Wardens’ accommodation.

The almshouses are a combination of bungalows and maisonettes located at Lingard House in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield and are typically designed for individuals over 60 years old. Currently, the properties house a total of 52 residents and create a safe and welcoming environment for both single and married couples.

The project has been fully funded by the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and has provided the refurbishment of 46 homes in total. During the refurbishments, residents were moved into the vacant estate properties whilst Logmoor, the contractor, undertook work on the kitchens and bathrooms.

Pam Johnston MBE JP, Almshouse Manager at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the second phase of the Almshouse refurbishments and for the residents to be able to settle back into their properties. The Trustees are consistently looking to maintain the Estate to the highest quality and the provision of upgraded kitchens and bathrooms will allow our residents to have a functioning, yet welcoming space to call home.”