almoners

An almoner is an officer responsible for distributing alms to the poor and managing charitable funds. The term derives from the Latin almo, via Old French almonier, and entered English in the medieval church and charity networks. In medieval Europe, almoners served in monasteries, cathedrals, and hospices, overseeing almsgiving and the care of the destitute. They collected and administered donations, organized almshouses and funds, kept records, and supervised the distribution of clothing, food, and other aid. In many cases the almoner also administered related charities, supervised almshouses, and acted as a liaison with donors and religious houses.

In hospitals, especially in Britain and parts of continental Europe, the almoner was the official responsible for patient welfare and financial assistance. Hospital almoners assessed patients’ social and financial need, mediated with charitable funds, arranged discharge planning and continued care, and coordinated with welfare organizations. The role became a precursor to the medical social worker; in the 20th century many institutions renamed or reorganized the position as social work expanded.

In the Royal Household of the United Kingdom, the Royal Almoner is a ceremonial official who historically distributed the monarch’s alms and now oversees charitable engagements; the Maundy service still features connections to this tradition.

Today the title is largely historical or ceremonial, though the broader idea persists in modern social work and welfare administration within religious and charitable organizations. The term also appears in historical texts and institutional archives describing charitable administration in pre-modern and early modern societies.