The Almshouses, Stratford-upon-Avon stone plaque

This stone commemorative plaque records: The Almshouses The Guild of the Holy Cross has been providing almshouses for its sick and aged members from at least 1405, but these were replaced around 1505 by the present range, funded by a generous bequest to the Guild by Stratford-born Thomas Hannys. At the time of his death he was a prosperous London mercer. In 1553, the almshouses were made over to the town authorities, with an obligation to provide rent-free accommodation for twenty-four almsfolk. Over the years this orderly arrangement came under pressure and in 1911 the census recorded thirty-six inhabitants squeezed into twenty-four units. In 1902/3 a layer of stucco was removed to expose the original timber framing. In 1982-4, after further restoration and an extension at the rear, the number of units in the original range was reduced to sixteen. In 1837, the management of the almshouses was vested in the Municipal Charities of Stratford-upon-Avon, They renamed Guild Cottages in 2009.

The Almshouses in Stratford-upon-Avon have provided housing for the poor and elderly since at least 1405, reflecting medieval charitable practices; originally funded by Thomas Hannys, a prosperous London mercer from Stratford, they exemplify historical continuity in social welfare provision.