Yeovil Almshouses

[yn9man]

Learned earlier today that my ggg grandfather was living in an almshouse prior to his death. He is listed in the 1891 Englad, Yeovil, Somerset, census as an inmate at the Woborn (spelling?) Almshouse in Yeovil. Was it common to show Almshouse residents as inmates in the census? Does anyone know where I can find additional information about this Almshouse or Almshouses in general?

yn9man 

[Arfur Mo]

Hi yn9man,

A bit of info for you,

 An almshouse or hospital was founded by royal licence at Yeovil in 1477 by John Woburn and Richard Huett as executors of William Woburn, minor canon of St. Paul's. The deed of foundation sets forth that it was to be for the support of six poor men and six poor women under the control of a master and two wardens, who were to be elected annually from seven or five honest men of Yeovil nominated by the outgoing master and wardens. The poor inmates were required to wear on their breasts a red cross in honour of St. George, who was joint patron with St. Christopher of the almshouse, and were to say daily one psalter of the Blessed Virgin, kneeling if their health would permit; on festivals they were to say the same psalter two or three times in succession, either standing, sitting or kneeling. Other prayers were ordered on special occasions for the souls of the founders and other persons, and the master and wardens were desired to form a fraternity of the parishioners of Yeovil and other persons willing to contribute to the support of the almshouse. This institution, which was often remembered in the wills of local testators, survived the Reformation and still supports the original number of poor men and women.

http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=40950

There is also this page by local historian, the late Leslie Brooke

http://www.country-breaks.com/general/yeovilhistory/almshouses.htm

 I was in Yeovil yesterday for work and I had some time to spare so I took a couple of pics for you.

Regards,

Arf

[Arfur Mo]

Just one more of the blue plaque;

Arf

[yn9man]

Arfur Mo -

THANK YOU .     

I would say quite a lot more than "a bit of information".

My words are not enough to say thanks. The pictures are gorgeous.  I will share your information and pictures at a family gathering next week.

I will visit the two web sites shortly.

Again many many thanks.

yn9man

[Arfur Mo]

You're most welcome yn9man,

I'm pleased that you liked the photos, here's a couple more for your records.

Regards,

Arf

[yn9man]

Arfur Mo -

Way more than pleased. I'm sure my family will enjoy looking at all the pictures.

Again, many many thanks.

yn9man