Newbury Almshouse.

One of three in Northcroft Lane.

No 4 Northcroft Lane is a former Almshouse endowed by a John Childs in 1822. Mr Childs was a sail cloth manufacturer in the town.

Built originally for “deserving people”, they were later re-designated as “housing for poor men who were parishioners of the Church of England”. In 1879, more Almshouses were built in Newtown Road, replacing these earlier ones.

Northcroft Lane at this point is more of a wide alleyway, hence it was difficult to get far enough away to get the whole building in at this angle. What appears to be a blank window is in fact an engraved stone.

Unfortunately it is not too clear to read. However, I can make out:

“This Almshouse was Erected and Endowed A.D. 1824 by Mr John Childs Sail-Cloth Manufacturer at this Town for Poor Men of Good Moral Characters Natives and Parishoners of Newbury.”

The building is now Grade II Listed. It was built for 3 men.

For further reading: newburyalmshouses.com

Photograph Details

• Taken: 3 May 2017
• Camera: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge SM-G935F
• Lens: Integrated
• Focal Length 4mm
• F/1.7
• 1/100 Sec
• ISO 40