140th anniversary at St John’s Homes Almshouses

The St. John’s Homes Kempston Almshouses Charity holds a garden party to celebrate their 140th anniversary!

The St. John’s Homes Almshouses charity was set up by Mrs. Anne Charles Williamson in 1881 for local “retired and needy” members of the Church of England with 10 dwellings in the now Grade II listed building on Bedford Road.

Almost a century later, a warden’s flat, residents’ lounge and a further 10 dwellings were added, creating a courtyard garden between the two main buildings. There are currently 23 residents, forming a small local community.

Mrs. Anne Charles Williamson’s father and grandfather were both vicars, and both of Campton, near Shefford, but she grew up at the Manor House in Kempston, built for her grandfather in 1815. The Williamsons were significant benefactors to Kempston and Mrs. Anne, who died in 1927, also left a bequest for the building of The Church of the Transfiguration, completed in 1940.

Residents and trustees celebrated their milestone anniversary with an al fresco tea party in the courtyard and all the current residents were given memento toasters and keyfobs to mark the occasion.

September 21

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