Norfolk Magazine: Beautiful Almshouses: ‘Cloaked in History’ Words: Rowan Mantell Photos: Sonya Duncan – September 2024
In our quest to let everyone know just how great almshouses are, The Almshouse Association has had the pleasure of working with the Great British Life magazines. They have provided a great platform for the Association to help showcase the stunning almshouses and the almshouse charities that play such an important and vital role in the provision of affordable housing in almost every town, city and village across the UK. Not to mention, preserving our beautiful national heritage buildings!
Most recently, they visited almshouses in Norfolk, meeting with the wonderful residents as well as the clerk and trustees of the almshouses and Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association.
Scarlet cloaks hang on hooks in the hallway. On a chest in the main room are the tall, black moleskin hats the sisters wear for formal occasions, and bonnets for less showy trips out. The very newest of the hats dates back to 1933, most are Victorian.
This is the Hospital of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in Castle Rising or, more simply, the beautiful village almshouses, just across the lane from the Norman church, and tucked around a corner from the impressive castle which gives the village its name.…
“The architecture of almshouses hasn’t changed much since the 10th or 11th century. Built as quadrangles, or three sides of a square, they encourage companionship and interaction while giving private space inside. To walk to your front door you have to walk past each other and that’s not by accident, it’s about forming a strong community. You don’t feel lonely but you’re all completely independent.
“There’s an increasing recognition that there is something about the scale of almshouses that enables these communities to thrive. They offer warm, safe, secure homes to those in need. Strong companionship, good neighbours, independent living.” Nick Phillips, CEO The Almshouse Association
To read the article in full, please click here
posted 23 September 2024