Municipal Charities of Plymouth traces its history all the way back to 1584.
Local History: Municipal Charities of Plymouth
Municipal Charities of Plymouth Through the Ages
One of the oldest local charities in Plymouth, Municipal Charities of Plymouth was described as an ‘ancient establishment’ as long ago as 1821. Ever since the late-16th century, it has been a beacon of hope for widows, orphans, and others in need.
From Humble Beginnings
Boasting a proud history, Municipal Charities of Plymouth consists of several charities administered by Trustees. One of them is The Plymouth Almshouse & Assistance Charity, believed to have existed as early as 1573. In 1626 Captain Robert Rawlin, a benefactor to various Plymouth charities, bequeathed a legacy to the trust to ‘buy butter’ for the almswomen on ‘fish days’. By the 19th century, the charity was officially known as the Old Church Almshouse for Twelve Widows, commonly referred to as ‘the Old Church Twelves’. Twelve poor widows of Plymouth and a nurse had a room each in the Almshouse in 1821, sharing a common garden. Around the same time, the Orphans Aid Grant was established to help parents who could not afford school uniforms for their children.
Towards a Brighter Future
In 1869, new Almshouses were built in Green Street, and remained in use until all but the building at the back of the site were destroyed by aerial bombing in 1941. After the Second World War, a potential rebuild hung in the balance for a while, due to the proposed line of a new road. However, the plans for the road were altered so that this historic site could remain intact. And like the rest of the war-ravaged city, The Charity rose like a phoenix from the ashes. With the aid of war damage payments and a mortgage, Municipal Charities of Plymouth was able to finance the construction of eight modern flatlets for old ladies in need. The front block of four flatlets is brand new, whereas the back block was the old block which was gutted and rehabilitated after the war.
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