Almshouses in Wells black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: Almshouses in Wells Before the introduction of the welfare state these almshouses were provided by private generosity, but are now administered by a charitable trust, City of Wells Almshouses. They were important in caring for elderly citizens, who had to be upright character living in the city and regulatory attending St Cutherbert’s Church. Now they are divided into cottages and flats, available to residents of Wells and the surrounding villages. Harpers is in private ownership. A Llewellyn’s and Charles’ Almshouses Established in 1636, these buildings date from 1887, with an older unit at the far end of the left-hand range. The style and layout, with its regularity and prominent chimneys, is reminiscent if traditional almshouses design, and creates a dignified urban space. B Wells Old Almshouses In the churchyard is the principal Wells group of buildings originally for the indigent poor'. But with this, the oldest almshouse endowment in Somerset, was founded in 1486 by the bishop of that name, and includes a chapel and Guildhall, still in use. Bubwith’s faces Chamberlain Street, with a projecting porch spanning a small waterway. Towards the church is the delightful, small-scale range of Still's (1615) with Willes’ (1777) and Bricke's (1637) behind. C Harper's Almshouses In Chamberlian Street, dated 1726, and now in private ownership, the two-storeyed painted front retains fro of the original stone-mullioned windows. A small tablet set into the front wall records the foundation for “…5 poor old decayed Wooll-combers of this parish …” a proviso which no longer applies. Recorded plaque organisation: Wells Civic Society.

Almshouses in Wells, established as early as 1486 and expanded through the centuries, provided essential housing and care for the elderly and indigent, reflecting medieval philanthropy and community support before the welfare state. These structures, including notable examples like A Llewellyn’s, Charles’, Still's, Willes’, Bricke's, and Harper's Almshouses, exemplify traditional architectural design and continue to serve as charitable housing for residents of Wells and surrounding areas.