Almshouses 
By Dr Judy Hill 

Almshouses originated in early medieval England as places that provided care for the sick and poor, usually attached to a monastery. Hospitality was a Christian duty. The original focus on travellers and monks was extended in the 12th and 13th centuries to include lay people who were sick or feeble, usually housed in separate establishments administered by monks and lay brothers.  Church authorities encouraged these foundations and bishops were urged to see there were enough of them to cater for the need.

This talk will look at the history of the British Almshouse which includes the difficult times during the Reformation to the continued vitality of the almshouse movement today.