Do you know about the Almshouses in Old Amersham?
They are in two separate buildings known as “Days” and “Drakes” in the High Street, both bequeathed centuries ago by former philanthropic residents of the town, and now managed by Amersham United Charities. They are available to be occupied by less well-off single men and women from the Parish of Amersham with Coleshill and the surrounding area. There is no age constraint, but applicants must be considered suitable for living in these small communities, and must be able to look after themselves.
The Day’s Almshouses are in a row of terraced houses on the North side of the High Street and run back from the road to the River Misbourne. This listed Grade 2 building is not visible from the road and access is through a narrow entrance off the street. There are nine individual properties in the terrace which was built in 1857. The accommodation in these dwellings is very restricted with a small living room and tiny kitchen area, and a bedroom and shower room on the first floor accessed by a narrow steep and angled staircase. The Charity intends to redevelop these dwellings to provide seven, more spacious, properties within the basic building structure having a straight staircase able to accommodate a stair lift and a downstairs cloakroom, again suitable for modern living by often elderly people. Plans have been drawn up and the necessary planning approval and listed building consent has been obtained. Fundraising has started for this major improvement project, and it is hoped that work can start in Spring 2016. An Appeal for funds has been launched, with Countess Howe as Patron.
The Drake’s Almshouses on the South side of the High Street and visible from the road date back to 1657 and the building is a listed Grade 2* property. There were originally six dwellings, but in 1997 they were converted and refurbished to provide four, with increased accommodation and modern conveniences to make them more appropriate for 21st century living. All the accommodation is on the ground floor.
It is the responsibility of the Trustees of the Charity to ensure that these Almshouses are sympathetically restored and maintained as part of the important heritage of Old Amersham, and that they continue to be of benefit to the local community.
Ian Arthurton
Chairman of Trustees
www.amershamalmshouses.org.uk