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The Almshouses

In the middle of Croydon, one of the busiest towns in England stands the Hospital of Holy Trinity. Better known as The Whitgift Almshouses, it is a 400 year old haven of tranquillity and security.

The historic building has been looked after and regularly renovated to keep it up to date. The Whitgift Foundation however has been careful to retain the unique architectural features.

As a result, the Almshouses offer a group of active elderly people the chance to live in well-appointed accommodation clustered around picturesque lawns. They also have the use of a chapel, a Common Hall, and a fully equipped, modern laundry.

Each self-contained, centrally heated unit is cosy, but large enough to allow the resident to furnish it with his or her treasured possessions. There is a warden who calls every day to check on the residents.

The residents must be:

• aged 60 or over
• of modest circumstances
• communicant members of The Church of England.

They are also encouraged to take part in the social activities at Whitgift House, The Foundation's sheltered housing operation.

A Brief History of The Almshouses

The Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift founded the Whitgift Almshouses in 1596. 

John Whitgift often stayed in the Archbishop's Palace in Croydon, the present Old Palace School of John Whitgift, which he used to rest from the rigours of high office. His liking for the town and his fondness for his employees prompted him to ask The Queen for permission to build a Hospital for elderly people and a School.

The accommodation in the almshouses included two rooms for the Archbishop himself. From 1599, when the first residents moved in, until his death in 1604, John Whitgift was a frequent visitor. He would dine with his 'brothers' and 'sisters' in the Common Hall and he came to look upon them as members of his own family.