Row of stone houses with gabled roofs and small windows, trees, and a cloudy sky in the background.
Logo of The Almshouse Association with white text on a dark blue background

The Almshouse Association

Whilst many may be aware of the traditional and fine almshouse buildings dotted all over the United Kingdom, few perhaps realise how vibrant and relevant the almshouse movement is today and how it continues to provide a strong sense of community; offering safety and security, and making it possible for those in need to continue to live independently, in a locality of their choice, often near to families.

I have dedicated over twenty years of my career to almshouses, including fifteen years as the CEO of an historic almshouse charity in the London Borough of Barnet, now working part-time in four almshouse charities across London. I have since been given the tremendous honour of being made an ambassador for the Almshouse Association, and have been committed to advancing the noble cause of the Almshouse movement throughout the UK.

It is a true privilege to 'spread the word' for this remarkable institution and I can be seen giving regular talks on the subject nationwide. More than 10,000 people have now attended these talks, which have been given to a broad range of organisations, including:

Three historic castles and manor houses with gardens and greenery

  • The National Trust

  • History Societies

  • U3A

  • Women’s Institute

  • Rotary and Inner Wheel groups

  • Gardening Societies

  • Women’s clubs of Great Britain

  • Retirement groups

  • Residential homes.

It has become apparent that people love the subject, not surprisingly because almshouses encapsulate more than 1,000 years of history and found in most cities, towns, and villages across the country, as well as internationally. Many of these beautiful buildings not only showcase stunning architectural merit but also provide essential housing.