Almshouses

Almshouses (in the past sometimes called a 'poorhouse', 'hospital', 'bedehouse') are charitable housing, providing accommodation for poor and elderly people who could not otherwise afford to rent. In the UK, almshouses can be traced as far back as the 10th century. Many of the buildings are now private residences or serve other purposes - though today there are still 1,700 groups of almshouse charities in the UK, providing homes for over 35,000 people, over 30% of the residences are historic listed buildings[1]. Examples of historic almshouses in the North East of England include those established on a religious basis, such as the Hospital of God at Greatham (established 1273) and the Holy Jesus Hospital in Newcastle (established 1682). There were also almshouses built by estate owners, such as Armstrong Cottages in Rothbury, and the Methold Houses at Beamish. Others were built by professions/guilds/unions, such as Keelman Hospital built for the keelmen of Newcastle and their families (established 1701), and also Miners Welfare cottages.