Quintessentially British: Almshouses

Stoneleigh is such a rich source of history and the Lords Leigh were well known for their philanthropy. These Almshouses were built in 1595 at the will of Sir Thomas Leigh and his wife Dame Alice Leigh. They were 'established for the dwelling and habitation of five poor men and five poor women of the parish of Stoneleigh, who are to be appointed from among the oldest and most infirm of the parish'.
Two wardens of the parish church were appointed to administer the Almshouse. The wardens were to be paid the sum of 6 shillings and 8 pence each per year to provide preachers to preach sermons each quarter, and to 'see that the poor folks go to church on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays'. The vicar was also paid 6 shillings and 8 pence for each sermon he preached. The Almshouses are still inhabited today and they currently house 2 men and 8 women. Each doorway is the entrance to two houses, one to the left and the other to the right as you go in.