Current Almshouses

Bristol Charities has been managing a number of almshouses since 1835, the oldest of these being Barstaple almshouse, which was founded in 1395.

The new John Foster’s Almshouse in Henbury, north Bristol

Construction of the new John Foster’s Almshouse has now been completed and consists of 18 flats, incorporating the new John Milton Clinic for the Bristol Primary Care Trust. Bristol Charities appointed South West based Cowlin Construction for the development in Crow Lane, Henbury.
 
The new almshouse replaced the almshouse located at the top of Christmas Steps, which was founded in the late fifteenth century by John Foster, a leading merchant of his day, who had a major stake in the extensive import of dried fish from Iceland.
 
 The accommodation has been specifically designed for needs of older people and will include comprehensive wheelchair access and modern technology systems for communications and personal safety and security.
 
The new building has also been designed to include energy saving technologies and will be of traditional build construction, using sustainable materials.

David Jones, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities said: “Our intention is that a fully fit person can move into one of these flats and as they become more frail, the flat can be adapted to meet their needs, allowing them to remain in their own home and enjoy independent living for as long as possible.”
 
“We are developing our almshouse provision in this way, because older people are living longer and wish to retain their independence. 
 
“Research has demonstrated that those who remain independent enjoy a much better quality of life and healthier aging.  As a result, Bristol Charities is working provide this supported care through our residential and day care services.”
David Jones continued: “It is very exciting to see this well-established almshouse charity re-invented to meet the needs of today’s Bristolians.  ”
Anyone interested in applying for one of the new flats should contact David Jones, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities for more information or an application form on 0117 9300 303 or email : info@bristolcharities.org.uk

Perrett House in Redcross Street originally came about after CR Perrett set up a housing charity – Perrett Homes – in 1916 with property which he owned in Stanley Hill and Totterdown. After his death the charity was managed by Bristol Charities. It was not possible to maintain Perrett’s residential properties from the rental income and the properties were sold in the 1930s and most of the tenants transferred to Trinity Almshouse.

A former almshouse in Cumberland Road, which was bought and presented to the trustees, was used to house tenants from Perrett Homes and was renamed Perrett's Almshouse. It provided accommodation for five residents. Due to the cost of maintenance, the almshouse was closed and demolished in 1969.

The proceeds of the sale of Stanley Hill and Cumberland Road were incorporated into Orchard Homes and, with Housing Corporation funding, were used to build the sheltered housing scheme in Redcross Street, which is called Perrett House, and provides 30 self contained flats. There are also 8 flats in a scheme called Redcross Mews, situated to the rear of Perrett House.