Queen Elizabeth's Almshouses, Richmond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Queen Elizabeth’s Almhouses, Richmond
Location	The Vineyard, Richmond, London, England
Built	1600 (on previous Petersham Road site)
Built for	Sir George Wright
Rebuilt	1767 (on present site); 1857 and 1955

Queen Elizabeth's Almhouses are special homes in Richmond, London. They were built a long time ago to help people who needed a place to live. An almshouse is a building where older or poorer people can live, often for free or at a very low cost.

These particular almshouses were started in the year 1600. This was during the time when Queen Elizabeth I was ruling England. A kind man named Sir George Wright founded them. His goal was to provide homes for eight older women who were not wealthy.

The first almshouses were built on Petersham Road. This was a short distance from where Bridge Street is today. They were sometimes called the "lower almshouses." Over time, these buildings became very old and worn out. By 1767, they were almost falling apart.

So, in 1767, a man named William Turner helped rebuild them. He used land from his own property in an area called The Vineyard. Money for this rebuilding project came from "public subscription." This means many people gave small amounts of money to help pay for it. The almshouses were rebuilt again in 1857. Later, they were damaged during World War II. Because of this, four new houses were built in their place in 1955.

Who Manages Queen Elizabeth's Almhouses Today?

Today, the Queen Elizabeth's Almhouses are looked after by an organization called The Richmond Charities. This group helps manage several almshouses in the Richmond area. They make sure the homes are well-maintained.

People who want to live in these almshouses must be at least 65 years old. The Richmond Charities helps older people find safe and comfortable places to live.

Want to Learn More?

• List of almshouses in the United Kingdom