Aged priests, poor scholars, and sick and hungry paupers were the original beneficiaries of The Great Hospital in Norwich, founded in 1249 by Bishop Walter de Suffield. Clerics remained unmarried in this period so had no family to support them in old age. The poor scholars were boys selected on merit from local song schools and they received a daily meal during term times until they had achieved a good grasp of Latin. With this help, bright boys were given the chance to escape poverty and train as choristers or to enter the priesthood.

Food was plentiful and in addition to basic weekly rations of 10 oz of fresh butter, 3/4 lb of cheese, three 30 oz loaves of wheat bread and daily beer, the residents dined on a menu comprising ample quantities of boiled suet pudding, pints of broth, boiled beef and mutton, and light dumplings on Fridays.

The Great Hospital site contains much historic and architectural interest. Some buildings date as far back as 1380. Examples of this include one of the smallest monastic cloisters in England, a fine medieval refectory named St Helen’s House with excellent examples of Georgian decorated ceilings, as well as an 18th Century swan pit and a large Victorian hall.

Eagle Ward, named such due to the beautifully carved wooden ceiling depicting eagles, provided dormitory accommodation for single men.  Each had a curtained off ‘cubicle’ and there was also a living area with an open fire, around which residents would gather in the evenings.  A matron was in charge and all meals were provided at a long table which ran the length of the ward outside of the cubicles.  There was a great sense of community and many previous residents and staff felt sad when the ward closed in 1961. Today, the Eagle Ward, now preserved as a museum, can be visited during the regular tours.

A Colchester charity has reopened nine of its almshouses after a £1 million facelift.

Former Colchester Mayor, Alderman and farmer Arthur Winsley left much of his property to the new charity in his will (dated the March 28 1726). It was converted into 12 almshouses and a Chapel for Colchester men over 60-years-old ‘that had lived well and fallen into decay’.

Over the years, the almshouses have been added to as a result of a number of bequests and endowments. There are now 81 properties and Winsley’s is home to more than 100 men and women

At a ceremony at Winsley’s Square, off Old Heath Road, The Bishop of Colchester, the Right Reverend Roger Morris, blessed the refurbished buildings and the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Peter Chillingworth, cut a ribbon to reopen the homes.

The 18-month project saw nine properties, some of which date to the 18th century and are listed, redeveloped, refurbished, extended and brought up to date. New wet-rooms and kitchens were installed, the properties were made energy efficient, soundproofing was added and landscaping has enhanced the area. The project also involved demolition of old sheds (former privies), garden walls and single storey extensions, removal of raised walkways and stairs, together with construction of three, two-storey rear extensions.

The work was phased in order to accommodate residents and the availability of accommodation elsewhere on the site. Residents were consulted before work began and we kept informed of progress.

In line with the Founder’s wishes, expressed in his will, every year the Trustees hold a service in Winsley’s chapel and have their annual meeting and dinner on the same day. The re-opening ceremony was held to coincide with the year’s events.

Acting Trustee Irene Kettle said: “Our Founder’s legacy is important to us and we are very proud of the history of Winsley’s, but it is essential to remember this is a thriving, friendly community and a place which must grow and improve. In this way, we can ensure the legacy of Arthur Winsley and Others, lives on.

“Given that Arthur Winsley’s will was dated 1726, it is interesting to speculate on what he would have made of all this activity and the Trustees’ other exciting plans for his legacy: we think he would have been impressed!

“We would like to thank everyone who lives at Winsley’s for their patience, Bakers of Danbury and Nicholas Jacob Architects for their hard work and Trustee Andrew Waters, who led the project for us.”

Mr Waters added: “This project has transformed the poorest part of the estate to one that is extremely attractive and provides quality space for our residents.”

Professional assistance also came from quantity surveyors Daniel Connal Partnership of Colchester, engineers JP Chick and Partners, and MLM who were also thanked by the trustees.