What Is an Almshouse?

Almshouses have existed in the United Kingdom for over 1,000 years. The oldest almshouse charity foundation still in existence is the Hospital of St Oswald in Worcester, founded in 990.

Some almshouses are historic and architecturally significant buildings, others are more modern, and some are newly built. What they all share is a common purpose: to provide affordable housing, and sometimes modest support, to people in need, most often older people. Almshouses are typically charity-run and governed by trustees, rather than by private landlords.

Almshouses and Thorner’s Homes

Thorner’s Homes was established under the Will of Robert Thorner, dated 1690. A copy of the original Will is held at the National Archives. Since that time, the charity has continued to provide almshouse accommodation in Southampton in accordance with its charitable objects.

Further information about the history of Thorner’s Homes can be found on our History of Thorner’s Homes page.

The Recognised Definition of an Almshouse

To help people understand what an almshouse is (and what it is not), the Almshouse Association has published a recognised definition.

An almshouse is a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need or infirmity), and is occupied, or available for occupation, under a licence by a qualified beneficiary.

An almshouse charity is typically a charity established for purposes that are furthered by the provision of one or more almshouses.

Key Features of Almshouse Charities

Almshouse charities usually share a number of common features. These may include:

• The charity originated from a private gift or bequest for the relief of poverty
• Residents (beneficiaries) are asked to pay a weekly maintenance contribution, which must not be set at a level that would cause hardship
• Accommodation is provided under a Licence to Occupy, rather than a tenancy
• Residents are expected to show consideration for the needs of others living in the almshouse community
• A significant proportion of the accommodation may be held as permanent endowment
• The group of people who may benefit, or the geographical area from which beneficiaries are drawn, may be restricted in line with the charity’s objects

Names and Terminology

Not all almshouses use the word “almshouse” in their name. Historically, they may be known as a ‘College’, ‘Hospital’ or ‘Homes’, reflecting the language in use at the time the charity was founded. Regardless of the name used, the underlying charitable purpose and legal structure are the same.

Almshouse Living Today

Modern almshouses continue a long tradition of charitable housing while operating within today’s legal and regulatory framework. Residents are beneficiaries of a charity, not tenants, and almshouse accommodation is intended for independent living, rather than care provision.

Thorner’s Homes is also a Registered Provider of Social Housing, which means we are regulated in line with national standards for social housing providers. This provides additional assurance around governance, safety, and the quality of our homes, while preserving the distinctive charitable nature of almshouse living.

Registration does not change the legal status of residents as beneficiaries rather than tenants

For more information about almshouses in the UK today, please visit the Almshouse Association website - Almshouses today