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History of Almshouses enthralls library friends
The Friends of West Wickham Library started the year with a presentation about the Hospital of Holy Trinity in Croydon - a site of historical interest still in operation today.
Yvonne Walker, with the assistance of her husband John, gave a clear talk and slide-show at the Glebe Way library on January 9.
The hospital, better known as the Whitgift Almshouses, is situated on the corner of George Street and North End, and was founded by the Archbishop of Canterbury John Whitgift in 1596.
Mrs Walker introduced the chapel, the outside areas, and the Archbishop's rooms and offices, noting the art, history and architectural features.
Photographs were also shown of the common hall and comfortable rooms provided and maintained for residents.
Historical buildings often have a dark side to their past, with the Almshouses being no exception.
In one incident a would-be assassin was spotted on the roof and shot by the Archbishop's soldiers, his corpse ending up at the bottom of the chimney.
The Almshouses are also believed to be the haunt of two ghosts.
One is said to be that of a guard who nodded off at his post at the top of the stairs to the master bedroom, leading to him meeting his end after a painful tumble to the bottom.
But these tales were simply a gloss on a fascinating insight into the history of a facility, which to this day provides accommodation for a number of elderly residents.
The Almshouses are maintained by the Whitgift Foundation.
For further details about the Friends please contact Peggy Spencer on 020 8777 7871.
8:57pm Monday 14th January 2008
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