future after six centuries of shelter

passers-by. The finials to the posts are a Bishop’s mitre, the badge of the almshouse. Through the Victorian gateway, noting the symbols of a lamb and flag for St John the Baptist and an eagle for St John the Evangelist, the present front door can be found tucked into a corner of the cloister.

A brass plate declares ‘For the House’. Above the Chapel a bell rings to mark the various events in the life of this ancient community.

provided for ‘Twelve pore feeble and ympotent old men and four old women’ to be cared for by a housewife whose duty was to ‘feeche in and dyght to the victaill wash wrying make beddys and al other things do’.

The Licence of King Henry VI to found the almshouse is dated July 11, 1437. The building was completed in 1448 and consisted of a chapel (1442) and a hall with dormitories above. A fine doorway with niches and statues of the two Saint Johns provided the main entrance from Trendle Street.

Important to the street scene here are the Victorian iron posts and rails lining the kerb. Here the Almsmen would lean, smoke a pipe and chat to n To learn more go to stjohnshouse.org or call 01935 813245.

St Johns’ House and the original almshouse buildings are governed, to this day, by the Master and Brethren who continue a body established in 1437.

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