Queen Elizabeth's Almhouses are
almshouses
An almshouse (also known as a bede-house, poorhouse, or hospital) is charitable organization, charitable public housing, housing provided to people in a particular community, especially during the Middle Ages. They were often built for the povert ...
in
Richmond, London
Richmond is a town in south-west London,The London Government Act 1963 (c.33) (as amended) categorises the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames as an Outer London borough. Although it is on both sides of the River Thames, the Boundary Commis ...
, founded by Sir George Wright in 1600 (during the reign of
Elizabeth I) to house eight poor aged women.
Known originally as the "lower almshouses", they were built in Petersham Road, a few hundred yards south of what is now Bridge Street. By 1767, they were almost derelict.
In 1767, William Turner rebuilt the almshouses on land at the top end of his estate in The Vineyard. Funds for the rebuilding were raised by public subscription.
The almshouses were rebuilt again in 1857.
[A photograp]
shows the front of the almshouses, almost 100 years later, in 1952. See They were damaged during
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
and replaced with four newly built houses in 1955.
[The building plans are available online. See ]
Current status
The almshouses are now managed by The
Richmond Charities.
New residents are accepted from 65 years of age.
See also
*
List of almshouses in the United Kingdom
Notes and references
External links
The Richmond Charities
{{LB Richmond
1600 establishments in England
Almshouses in Richmond, London
Elizabeth I
History of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Residential buildings completed in 1600
Residential buildings completed in 1767
Residential buildings completed in 1857
Residential buildings completed in 1955
The Vineyard, Richmond