Our Friends Tour of Morden College Unveils a Rich Tapestry of History
On a crisp and sunny October morning in Blackheath, final preparations were in full swing for our Friends of The Almshouse Association who would be joining us for an exclusive tour of Morden College. Steaming pots of tea and freshly brewed coffee were being organised, awaiting the arrival of our special guests.
Founded in 1695 by Sir John Morden, this historic institution was built on 11 acres of Wricklemarsh Manor to provide board, lodging, and pensions for struggling traders.
John Morden was born in the City of London, apprenticed at age 20 to his uncle, Sir William Soame, and sent to Aleppo to work as a factor. He becomes an international trader and member of the Levant (Turkey) Company and the East India Company, returning to London in 1660 having amassed a substantial fortune.
In 1669, seven years after his marriage to Susan Brand, daughter of merchant Sir Joseph Brand, of Edwardstone, Suffolk, John Morden purchased the Manor of Wricklemarsh in Blackheath (for ÂŁ4200), a 250-acre estate, to become their home. Morden College was built in 1695 on the north-east 11 acres of Wricklemarsh Manor to provide board, lodging and a pension for traders who had fallen on hard times.
Sir John, who passed away age 86, is buried in the chapel crypt and statues of John and his wife, Dame Susan, still grace the western front of the College, added in 1717.
Under the terms of John Morden’s will, College trustees are drawn from the Turkey Company, and should it fail (which it did in 1834) from the East India Company, and should that fail then from the Aldermen of the City of London, who have provided the Charity’s trustees since 1884. A centenary plaque installed in the main entrance in 1984 commemorates the Aldermen’s association.
Over the centuries, the site has expanded, with the latest addition being the John Morden Centre – a beautifully designed hub that includes a medical centre, restaurant, workshops and more. Now bustling with activity, it serves both residents and the local community.
Credit: Mae Architects
Credit: (centre and right)Morden College
“It was a fantastic day and it was wonderful learning about the history of such an iconic almshouse.”
The tour offered an intimate look into the building’s history, revealing its many layers and hidden corners as our Friends were taken back in time to learn about the life of Sit John Morden and his legacy.
More tours will be held in 2025, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming our Friends back.
Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association said, “We are immensely grateful to Morden College for inviting us to take a look around their wonderful almshouses and grounds. They represent an exemplar model of almshouses and stand as testament to the generosity and vision of their philanthropic founder.”
If you’d like to join our Friends of Members, please click here—friends and family are also welcome.
posted 24 October 2024