Almshouses

An almshouse is a charitable housing facility established to provide accommodation for poor and elderly people who cannot meet their housing needs. Traditionally funded by endowments or gifts, almshouses are run by trustees or charitable bodies and offer a modest, stable residence rather than financial assistance alone. They are distinct from workhouses in that residence is the primary service and employment is not typically required.

Origins lie in medieval Europe, with religious houses offering alms to the poor. Over centuries, merchants, guilds, and wealthy benefactors endowed almshouses to provide a lasting form of charity. Buildings often included a chapel, a courtyard, and a resident manager who supervised admissions, rent collection, and daily routines.

Admission was usually limited by age, status, and need, and residents paid a small rent when able. Conditions and eligibility rules varied; residency could be for life or for a fixed term. Governance was through a corporate trust or charitable foundation, and local statutes often regulated upkeep, healthcare, and social activities.

Today, many almshouses continue to operate, particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe. They are typically charitable organizations that provide sheltered housing, social support, and assisted living services, sometimes in partnership with local authorities or housing associations. Funding remains through endowments and rents, with modern requirements for accessibility, safety, and dignity while preserving historic character.