by Andy Doran | Nov 25, 2024 | Events
Sherborne local historians Barry Brock and Tony White recently took ladder and torch to examine the roof of the original almshouse building.
Amongst a number of surprises revealed, they discovered that that the roof space was at one point adapted for use as living accommodation, apparently to cope with rising demand for places in the Almshouse – a demand that was only properly satisfied with the 1860s extension to create the building we know today.
Also it is significant that the Almshouse roof is one of a family of roofs with distinctive curved upper struts built by the carpenters of Sherborne Monastery (who should perhaps be more properly described as carpenters of the Salisbury diocese). This and the use of jointed crucks rather than the arch-braced collar beam trusses used in two earlier Sherborne buildings will be of particular interest to the architectural historian.
Barry Brock added, “This was a fascinating project and we are grateful that the Trustees gave permission for us to explore. There are so many interesting features. We were intrigued, for example, to find evidence of an earlier blue colour scheme, possibly Georgian; and by the initials left by the Victorian carpenter, proud of his ability to replicate the pendant finial constructed by his predecessor during the reign of Henry VI.”
The findings are published, along with a number of illustrations and photographs, in a new booklet, copies of which can be purchased from the Sherborne Antiques Market or by post from the publisher (email: threepigeonspress@gmail.com), rice £8.00.
by Andy Doran | Nov 22, 2024 | Events
West Dorset’s new MP, Edward Morello, has visited the almshouse to see for himself plans to re-configure the building.
A new collaboration was recently announced revealing that the Almshouse and Abbey would both use the historic building going forward.
The Almshouse will develop space to provide affordable independent living for locals and that the Abbey will create a traditional tearoom, support centre for young people and space for community projects.
Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt said: “We were really pleased Mr Morello was able to join us to find out more about our vision for the future of the building. We greatly appreciate his interest and support”.
by Andy Doran | Nov 8, 2024 | Events
Sherborne residents backed proposals for the future of the Almshouse at the recent Open Day when Trustees and Abbey officials were on hand to talk through ambitious plans.
A new collaboration had been previously announced revealing that the Almshouse and Abbey would both use the historic building going forward.
Vision
Our Chair of the Almshouse Trustees, Richard Hunt said: “We were really pleased that so many people were able to join us at the Open Day to find out more about our vision for the future of the building and to share their views.
“We announced in September that the Almshouse will develop space to provide affordable independent living for locals and that the Abbey will create a traditional tearoom, support centre for young people and space for community projects.
Exciting plan
“After looking carefully at all the options, we remain confident that this exciting plan will benefit our community by providing much needed affordable accommodation; will benefit local young people by providing a safe space to share and will benefit the town by returning our incredible building to the heart of community life.”
“Local people liked the fact that the building will come alive again and be used, as it always has been, to provide affordable accommodation to people who need it.”
For local people
This message was echoed by the Rector of Sherborne Abbey, Reverend Martin Lee.
He added: “The Almshouse has cared for local people for many years, and we are looking to continue that tradition. We hope that the town will support us in helping to make our vision a reality.”
The Almshouse is encouraging both donations and legacy giving.
by Andy Doran | Sep 5, 2024 | Events
Sherborne residents are invited to learn more about proposals for the future of the town’s Almshouse at an Open Day to be held later this month (September 20, 2024).
We will develop space to provide affordable independent living for locals while the Abbey will create a traditional tearoom, a support centre for young people and space for community projects.
Share views
Chair of our Trustees, Richard Hunt says: “We’re inviting locals to join us at the Open Day on Friday, September 20 to find out our vision for the future of the building and to share their views.
“After looking carefully at all the options, we are confident that this exciting plan will benefit our community by providing much needed affordable accommodation; will benefit local young people by providing a safe space to share and will benefit the town by returning our incredible building to the heart of community life.”
Sherborne Abbey
This message was echoed by the Rector of Sherborne Abbey, Reverend Martin Lee.
He adds: “The Almshouse has cared for local people for many years, and we are looking to continue in that spirit not just by helping to address Sherborne’s pressing need for affordable accommodation but by offering a safe space for local young people and also other members of the community through, for example, bereavement support.
“We hope that the town will use the Open Day to find out about the support that we will need and the various ways in which members of community will be able to help.”
Open to the public
The Almshouse will be open to the public on Friday, September 20 from 3pm to 6pm.
Almshouse Trustees and representatives of the Abbey will be available to share their vision for the future of the building. Members of the public are invited to join us to share their views.
by Andy Doran | Jul 30, 2024 | Events
Our Almshouse is to be remodelled in an ‘exciting joint new scheme’ involving both the Almshouse and Sherborne Abbey it has been officially announced today (July 29, 2024).
The Almshouse will retain space for affordable accommodation while the Abbey will use downstairs for a tearoom and have rooms upstairs for a young peoples’ centre and community group meetings.
Community projects
The Rector of Sherborne Abbey, Reverend Martin Lee said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for all of us, offering both accommodation for those who need it, and support for important community projects.
“We will need help to realise our vision and will be looking to raise funds. The town has always been very supportive of the Almshouse in the past and we are sure that will be the case again as we move forwards together.”
Positive for the town
Our Trustees carefully considered a range of options before choosing this path, which they feel is both positive for the town and financially viable.
Richard Hunt, Chair of our Trustees, added: “It has been a complicated process to get here but this exciting joint new scheme has several benefits, not just in providing accommodation to people who need it, but also in offering a home for the Abbey’s community outreach work and enabling greater public access to our wonderful building.
Excellent opportunity
“This is an excellent opportunity for Sherborne. The need to provide accommodation for local people in financial need remains pressing. This joint approach will enable us to provide new accommodation for local people of all ages to live independently in the heart of our town.”
Open day
An open day for Sherborne residents and all interested parties to find out more and share their views, will take place here and details for this event will be announced as soon as possible.
