Lady Lumley Almshouses Trust

MODERNISATION OF THE HISTORIC ALMSHOUSES

Work was completed in October 2014, on a £1 million scheme which sympathetically modernised the 350-year-old Grade 2 Listed Almshouses. An open day was held during October which proved to be very popular. Residents then moved back into their homes.

The refurbished Almshouses now meet the highest standards, whist maintaining their outward appearance. Each home has high quality insulation, double glazing (with patio windows overlooking the gardens), underfloor heating, fitted kitchens/cupboards and modern bathrooms (with 'wet room' shower).

The Lady Lumley Almshouses were opened on 2 December 2014, by the Rt. Hon. Earl and Countess of Scarborough.

• Mr David FitzGerald, Chairman of Lady Lumley Almshouses Trust, gave an address regarding this major project. He also expressed sincere thanks to all concerned with the refurbishment

• The Rt. Hon. Earl and Countess of Scarborough unveiled a commemorative Plaque 

• Rev. Stephen Gamble gave thanks and a blessing for the refurbished Almshouses

• Thornton le Dale C of E Primary School sang Carols, for the guests and residents

• A Time Capsule was buried in the garden

• A lunch was provided, for the guests and residents, in the old Grammar School

A slide show of the opening ceremony and the Almshouses can be viewed by clicking on the photographs on the right. When the photographs opens, click on the right hand edge of the picture to move through the show.

The Lady Lumley Almshouse Trust, in partnership with housing association Broadacres, and its developing partner Southdale, carried out the work on the historic Lady Lumley Almshouses in Thornton-le-Dale. This followed a lengthy consultation process with the residents living in the 12 Almshouses; which were built as a gift to the village in 1658 from Viscountness Elizabeth Lumley who owned much of the land around the area

Fiona Coleman, Development Manager for Broadacres, said: “Refurbishing a Grade 2 Listed Building is complex and required a lot of planning, but in close consultation with the residents, and the Trust, we believe we have designed a scheme that is in keeping with the historic nature of the Almshouses.

Working within the existing shell of the building, and providing a sympathetic new extension, the aim is to give residents the feeling of more space whilst ensuring they have a home that is fit for the 21^st century and that will also meet the needs of future generations.”

David FitzGerald, Chairman of Lady Lumley Almshouses Trust, said: “As trustees we have a duty not only to provide the best accommodation we can for the residents, but also to preserve these historic dwellings which are such an important feature of the village streetscape. We believe we have the perfect partners to do this and can  ensure that the Almshouses can be used well into the 21^st Century”

Trudie McCormick, Regional Managing Director for Southdale, said: “The Lady Lumles Almshouses modernisation is a very important project for Thornton-le-Dale, as it involves careful preservation and refurbishment of one of the community’s best known buildings. It is a very exciting project for Southdale and we are very happy to be working with Broadacres, and the Trust, to ensure it is done sympathetically and in fitting with the unique architectural style of the Almshouses.”

Almshouses are charitable housing provided to enable people (typically elderly people who can no longer work to earn enough to pay rent) to live in a particular community. They are generally maintained by a charity or the trustees of a bequest.