Capturing Cambridge
  • search
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

University Almshouses

History of the University Almshouses

Approximate location

In 1831 the New Guide to Cambridge described these as ‘low mean structure having an ancient brass inscription on the front, containing an account of the foundation. These almshouses were founded in 1505 by Matthew Stokys MA of Caius College and Esquire Bedel for six poor women appointed by the Vice-Chancellor. The original endowment allowed each of the inmates sevenpence a week and eight shillings at Stourbridge Fair to buy prize gowns and linen veils; but between 1695 and 1796 the annual stipend of each was only ten shillings. In the latter year a Grace passed the Senate for the increase of the stipend. Each inmate since that time has received 2l 10s a year.

British History Online says that the almshouses were sold in 1860.

 

Share this article

Share on Bluesky

Contribute

Do you have any information about the people or places in this article? If so, then please let us know using the Contact page or by emailing capturingcambridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk.

Licence

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Dear Visitor,

Thank you for exploring historical Cambridgeshire! We hope you enjoy your visit and, if you do,  would consider making a donation today.

Capturing Cambridge makes accessible thousands of photos and memories of Cambridge and its surrounding villages and towns. It is run by the Museum of Cambridge which, though 90 years old, is one of the most poorly publicly funded local history museums in the UK. It receives no core funding from local or central government nor from the University of Cambridge.

As a result, we are facing a crisis; we have no financial cushion – unlike many other museums in Cambridge – and are facing the need to drastically cut back our operations which could affect our ability to continue to run and develop this groundbreaking local history website.

If Capturing Cambridge matters to you, then the survival of the Museum of the Cambridge should matter as well. If you won’t support the preservation of your heritage, no-one else will! Your support is critical.

If you love Capturing Cambridge, and you are able to, we’d appreciate your support.

Every donation makes a world of difference.

Thank you,
Roger Lilley, Chair of Trustees
Museum of Cambridge