Amy Louisa Robinson Charity, St Albans celebrates 50th anniverssary

This September marked a golden milestone for the Amy Louisa Robinson Charity, which was formally established on 18th September 1975.

Amy Louisa Robinson, a lifelong member of Dagnall Street Baptist Church, left a lasting legacy to her community when she passed away in 1973. Known locally as a landlord, Amy left several properties in trust to provide homes for older people in need.

The Charity’s founding purpose was to:

“- provide housing accommodation either free of rent and outgoings or at nominal rents for needy men and women of the age of sixty-five years or over and being normally resident in the City of St Albans or having family or other association therewith and with preference being given to persons who are habitual members of the congregation of Dagnall Street Baptist Church St Albans.”

This requirement has since been updated to better reflect today’s local needs.

Today, the Charity is a proud member of The Almshouse Association and manages 18 one-bedroom apartments in St Albans. As residents move on, new applicants have the opportunity to benefit from the secure and supportive housing Amy envisioned.

The founding trustees included Amy’s brother Alf Robinson, along with fellow church members George Olney and Peter Cook, supported by surveyor Bernard Grimson and solicitor Richard Lloyd. The work continues today under the guidance of current trustees, assisted by Bretherton Law, part of GT Stewart Limited .

As the charity celebrates 50 years, both trustees and residents reflect on the generosity of Amy Louisa Robinson, a woman who simply wanted to give back to her community.

Thanks to the Amy Louisa Robinson Charity for sharing their story, and congratulations on reaching your 50th anniversary! While this may be a young milestone in the context of the almshouse movement’s thousand-year history, it’s inspiring to hear from newer charities. You remind us that the spirit of philanthropy is thriving and continues to shape communities today.

Pictured above, residents Jan and Caryl 

posted 29 September 2025

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