Historic Almshouses Leading the Way in Affordable, Community-Focused Housing Solutions

Roz Savage recently visited St John’s Hospital Almshouses in Cirencester to learn more about their invaluable work in providing affordable housing and fostering a strong sense of community.

Almshouses are the UK’s oldest form of social housing, with a history of over one thousand years. St John’s Hospital in Cirencester was founded in 1270, and alongside St Lawrence Hospital and Bowly Almshouse Charity, provides homes for over 80 elderly local residents.

During her visit, Roz met with board members of St John’s Almshouses: Meg Blumsom, Mary Cobbett, and their Clerk Jane Winstanley. She toured the properties, including the well-tended allotments and wildlife areas, and had the privilege of meeting some of the residents. Their homes, full of character and history, exemplify how the almshouse model provides not just housing but a true community, where neighbours support one another in daily life.

One of the highlights of the visit was the site of an ambitious restoration project. Historic properties are being carefully upgraded to modern energy efficiency standards, improving their EPC ratings from E to C. This ensures that the homes remain warm, comfortable, and cost-effective for residents while preserving their historic charm. However, carrying out these essential improvements on historic buildings comes with significant challenges, including high costs, complex planning requirements, and the need to balance modernisation with heritage conservation.

Over lunch, Roz and the trustees discussed the broader role of almshouses in tackling the housing crisis. Unlike other forms of social housing, almshouses are exempt from the Right to Buy, meaning that any investment in new homes stays within the community, benefiting those in need for generations to come. They also explored the challenges of maintaining and restoring historic buildings, as well as the importance of securing long-term funding to sustain these vital projects. With rising maintenance costs and limited financial support, ensuring the future of these homes requires ongoing commitment and innovative solutions.

The conversation extended beyond housing, touching on wider community initiatives. Roz spoke with Mary about the Cirencester Pantry, a project providing affordable food to local residents, and with Meg about her experience managing Phoenix Gardeners, reinforcing the importance of green spaces and food security in building strong, self-sufficient communities.

Reflecting on the visit, Roz said:

“St John’s Hospital Almshouses are a shining example of how social housing can work at its best - offering secure, high-quality homes while preserving a real sense of community. The dedication of Meg, Mary, Jane, and the entire team is truly inspiring. Their work not only provides affordable housing but also supports residents’ well-being, reduces loneliness, and strengthens community ties. I look forward to continuing to support their invaluable efforts.”

With ongoing investment and collaboration, almshouses like St John’s continue to play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis, ensuring that local people have access to secure, affordable homes within a supportive community. While challenges remain, the commitment and passion of those involved in running and maintaining these historic homes offer a hopeful path forward.

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