History of The Trust

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TRUST

Peterborough Almshouse Trust CIO comes under the umbrella of the Almshouse Association which has many Almshouses throughout the United Kingdom.  The Trust dates from around 1611 when it was called the Town Estates Charity.  Its trustees had wide responsibilities for local government, including care of the needy.  

By the 19th century the trustees owned several almshouses for the poor around the City Centre.  They reduced their local government responsibility under the 1907 Charity Commission Scheme, when the Trust was renamed Peterborough United Charities. It remained known as this until 1974 when it was renamed Peterborough Almshouse and Relief in Need Charity by the Charity Commission. In 2001 they again renamed it as "Peterborough Almshouse Trust".

Until 1969 the charity owned and administered the old Almshouses in Cumbergate and Westgate. Late in 1969 these were closed down and sold as the Queensgate Centre was planned during the 1970s. The land in Granby Street had been purchased in 1965 and in 1969 it was developed and modern flats and bungalows were built to rehouse the residents.

HOW STEPHENSON COURT GOT ITS NAME