20th May 2008

Almshouses move into 21st Century

Almshouses have provided homes for those in need since medieval times and Nottingham’s oldest form of social housing will move to a new era this week when seven different almshouse charities are brought together under the umbrella of The Nottingham Community Almshouse Charity.

Norris Almshouse residents

Managed by Nottingham Community Housing Association, the new almshouse charity will bring about better governance and administration and allow for them to support each other and share best practice.

The almshouses are a fascinating range of buildings. They vary from the bang-up-to date such as nine purpose-built bungalows in Bulwell for the John Wright charity, to picture-postcard cottages at Bramcote built in 1852. The Wells Almshouses at Clifton-cum-Glapton were built in 1709 for poor, unmarried or widowed women of the parish, and the Norris homes on Sherwood Rise were designed by eminent Victorian architect Watson Fothergill.

Each almshouse has a fascinating story to tell, and now, thanks to the Nottingham Almshouses Charity, their future looks more secure .

Speaking at the launch of the new charity David Simmons, Secretary to the new charity said “NCHA has a proud tradition of working with almshouse charities, and is able to offer a lifeline to trustees of charities who are struggling to manage and maintain their homes. The creation of Nottingham Community Almshouse Charity enables the Association to manage its almshouses much more efficiently."