Ross-on-Wye's version of Kainga Ora

The Rudhall street almshouses were founded by the wealthy Rudhall family in the14th century to provide accommodation for 5 'poor' men or women and are still serving the same purpose today. In the past monks, nuns and friars often cared for those most in need. After the dissolution of the monasteries rich people often left money in their wills for the construction and maintenance of almshouses and 'hospitals'. The main, if not only, source of funding.



These ones that I walked past yesterday in Copse Cross St were built in1612 byThomas Webb, a successful carpenter, to provide accommodation for 7 people or families.


There are many other almshouses still standing in Ross-on-Wye- a testament to the quality of construction
and (maybe) the generosity of the wealthy. 

Another example of consideration for the less fortunate is the cottage where I am staying which was originally built by the estate owner as 2 cottages for widows.  Now merged into one home with 2 huge fireplaces. I've been told that you can tell how many fireplaces a house has by the number of chimney pots, not necessarily chimneys.


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