St John’s Hospital in Bakewell

Sir John Manners founded St John’s Hospital in Bakewell in 1602, although the idea was initially proposed by Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury in 1597. The friends, who also had grandchildren in common, were acting in response to the Poor Law Statute of 1598 which encouraged the erecting of Hospitals or Working Houses for the Poor. The building was finally erected in 1709.

After many years, this ancient Grade II listed building stood almost derelict and uninhabitable, until a new body of Trustees and local volunteers decided to preserve a key part of Bakewell’s historical and architectural heritage by restoring it.  Determined to ensure that the almshouse charity could once again fulfill its purpose of providing good quality housing for local people, the Trustees’ efforts were not thwarted by the wide range of challenges they faced throughout the restoration.

What the original six homes from 1709 could boast in ancient charm couldn’t be matched by space. So, to bring the accommodation up to modern standards, the “one up and one down” properties were converted to provide three larger homes.  Care was taken to retain original features wherever possible, including restoration of the 1709 original fireplaces which were unearthed when the 20^th Century ones were ripped out. Due to the hard work of the Trustees, St John’s Hospital is now home to some very happy residents and new life has been given to a valuable piece of Derbyshire history.