Sir Robert Christopher’s Almshouses : Originating from the benevolence of Sir Robert Christopher in his will of 1668, rebuilt in 1870, by 2012 they were derelict and in desperate need of repair. This page covers the extensive renovation project which began in September 2013.
Mr Clive Sutton visited the site on a regular basis through out the renovations creating this wonderful photographic archive of the project. All of these photos have been posted with his authorisation, please do not reproduce them elsewhere without permission.
The latest renovations continue a long tradition of improving the dwellings for their inhabitants :
The following article appeared in the Stamford Mercury in May 1870
Alford.—Sir Robert Christopher’s almshouses, or the bedehouses, consisting of five old-fashioned and quaint buildings,in West-street, are being pulled down, and new houses, at cost of about 600 L, will soon be built on the site, by Messrs. Hasnip, at the cost of Lady Mary and the Hon. Nisbet Hamilton. There was small oval tablet surmounted by coat of arms, inserted in front of the middle house, with the following inscription :—
“These almshouses were builded by the last will and testament of Sir Robert Christopher, Knt, Anno Domini 1660. Repaired 1821”
reproduced with permission of the British Newspaper Archive http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
In Mid-June 2015 it was announced that SRC Almshouses would receive the National Almshouse Association Patron’s Award. This is a great honour and the success of this project is due to the strong team effort of everyone involved.
HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Almshouse Association, introduced the awards scheme in 2001 to encourage the highest standards in almshouse developments. The Awards Committee visit all shortlisted projects and, after final consideration, recommendations are submitted to the Patron. The Committee look for excellence in every aspect of a project – architectural design and conservation (including craftsmanship and respect for old fabric). Projects should meet the standards outlined in Support & Care for Residents.For Listed Almshouses the Committee look for very high standards of restoration and conservation balanced with the need for them to be functional and affordable homes.
About Alford 
I assume Clive Sutton’s photos are no longer available?
Hi Philip, to be honest the WW1 exhibition and the subsequent Millwright Exhibition took all of my spare time for a while and the SRC Almshouses page has been neglected. I am pleased to say that Clive and I worked together on documenting the renovations and I have permission to use the photos. I hope to be able to spend more time on the Almshouse page over the coming months and get all of the photos online.
Thanks Sarah. I’ve only just discovered this website. Maybe the fact that mine is the only comment so far might suggest many others have yet to do so too. I look forward to seeing the pictures when you have time to get round to them. The Almshouses look beautiful from the outside but I have never seen inside…and being people’s residences of course the chances are that I never shall, apart from via the pictures.
Sarah….your reference to the World War One exhibition reminds me that you might be the curator at the Manor House…am I right?
Hi Philip, yes we have met at the Manor House, I have been researching the men on the War memorial for the Manor House , and we have put several exhibitions on related to WW1 over the last few years. Unfortunately the Millwright’s Exhibition will be my last one for a while as I am struggling for time at the moment. I am hoping to keep my hand in with the research when I get chance and I will continue to keep my site going.
You’ve achieved a great deal. Good luck!
Hi Phillip
I have seen your interest I the almshouses and noted that you never seen inside one, I am resident at number 43 far right as you face them, if you would like to pop round for a cuppa sometime I will willingly gige you a tour, you may be surprised
Hi Bob,
That’s very kind of you….I’d love to take up your offer but it can’t happen until this coronavirus menace is over can it? I saw on another website the work that has been done at the rear of the Almshouses. Looks fascinating.
We must get in touch when times become more propitious.
Best wishes,
Philip