Liverpool Picturebook

Originally Posted by Bob Edwards

For my three-hundredth article for the 'Liverpool Picturebook' website I have decided to take a look at some of the charitable work that began in the city more than 300 years ago. We can trace this back to the 17th Century and it is amazing how, over the years, the number of charitable institutions in Liverpool grew to aid the population.


The earliest Liverpool charities, were the almshouses. In 1684 twelve almshouses were built by David Poole near the bottom of Dale Street; in 1692 Dr. Silvester Richmond founded a small group of almshouses for sailors' widows in Shaw's Brow,(William Brown Street) and in 1706 Richard Warbrick established another small group, also for sailors' widows, in Hanover Street. Successive small gifts during the 18th century, amounting in all to over £2,500, increased the endowment. In 1786 the almshouses were consolidated and removed to Arrad Street (Hope Street). They are administered in part by the corporation, in part by the rector, in part by trustees.

Richmond Fair, Almshouse, c1910 ( © Streets Of Liverpool)

Read more..................