The Jubilee Almshouses

HISTORY OF THE LEIGH ALMHOUSES – JUBILEE ALMSHOUSES

This information is taken from the Parish Council minutes[i] and some reports in the local Free Press. I found one article in the Kent and Sussex Courier for 21 January 1898 and other local papers.

The first mention of the Diamond Jubilee itself appears in the Parish Council minutes of 15 April 1897 when a public meeting is proposed to discuss ways to celebrate the Jubilee. It was probably following this council meeting that a Committee was set up – the Jubilee Committee – although none of its records survive: we know of it through the Parish Council itself and that Mr William Goodwin[ii] – who was at that time Chairman of the Parish Council – was on it as was Mrs Samuel Hope Morley.

At the Parish Council meeting on 11 June 1897, Mr Goodwin asked the Council whether there were any objections to the ‘proposed’ two almshouses being built on Leigh Green in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee. The Parish Council unanimously granted permission on condition that the consent of the Lord of the Manor (i.e. Samuel Hope Morley of Hall Place) was obtained. As Mrs Hope Morley was on the Jubilee Committee, consent was never in doubt.

In fact, it with Samuel Hope Morley who gave the land for the building and contributed towards the cost of building, along with subscriptions from the village. Therefore, the project became a village funded project.

At the Parish Council meeting of 26 November 1897, Chairman Goodwin said that it had been suggested that the Parish Council should appoint Trustees for the management of the Almshouses, or take on the management themselves in conjunction with Samuel Hope Morley Esq (Lord of the Manor) who had given his permission for them to be erected on the Green. However, the Chairman also said that they were not bound to come to a decision on the subject at once but were only asked to give an opinion. Mr Graham commented on how money would be raised for any necessary repairs, insurance etc as the Parish Council had no funds for the purpose. However, any decisions were adjourned.

At the Parish Council meeting on 14 December 1897 but as a letter received by the Chairman from the Jubilee Almshouses Committee had not been produced, it was decided to adjourn this meeting.

Thus on 21 December 1897 this meeting resumed and the letter (from Mr Boby of the Almshouses Committee to the Chairman of the PC Mr Goodwin) was produced which went as follows:

Nov 18 1897
Dear Sir, at a meeting of the Leigh Almshouses Committee held on Nov 15 1897, hte following resolution was unanimously carried that the Parish Council in conjunction with S Hope Morley Esq be asked to at as the Trustees. Will you therefore kindly bring the matter before the Parish Council at an early date. Yours ..

During the meeting of 21 December 1897 Mr Graham proposed and it was agreed that the Council appoint 3 of their members to meet the sub-committee appointed by the Almshouses Committee to discuss maters respecting the Trusteeship and report at a future meeting of the Council.

Therefore, following this, the Council appointed Mr J W Graham, Mr W N Hogben and Mr B W Baker to meet the Almshouses subcommittee.

Whilst these meetings were taking place to decide these points, a date had been set for the laying of the memorial stone – which was 22 December 1897 [from which we can assume the building work had already been going on during 1897 and was near completion). The event was a large occasion with the presence of Mr & Mrs S Hope Morley and it was reported in the FREE PRESS in January 1898 where details of this particular ceremony were given under the heading “An Interesting Function”.

The report goes as follows:

“The inhabitants of Leigh have demonstrated their loyalty to their Sovereign in a very striking manner. In no more fitting or appropriate manner could they have celebrated the Diamond Jubilee reign of Queen Victoria than by their resolve to erect Almshouses in the village as a permanent memorial to the event of the century and indeed the record event of all time. Mr Samuel Hope Morley, the Lord of the Manor, it is now common knowledge, generously gave the site and it was naturally fitting therefore that Mrs Hope Morley should undertake the function of laying the memorial stone of the buildings now in course of erection, which have been spontaneously and readily subscribed for by all classes in the community.

“This interesting function took place on Wednesday week and the inhabitants gathered in force to witness it. Mrs Morley was accompanied by her husband and two sons and Lady Russell and amongst the assemblage were Mr Allan May, Miss May, Mrs Leney, Mr Fraser, Mrs Gordon, Mr G W Gordon, Mrs Graham, Mr and Mrs Fisher, Mrs Anderson, the Misses Heath and the Parish Councillors: W Goodwin, C Davis, B W Baker, W Baldwin, W Rogers, W N Hogben and R Stapley (clerk); while the school children were also present in a body. Lady Harriett Warde had written expressing deep regret at her unavailable absence and general regret was felt that although the Vicar, the Rev H R Collum, had attended the gathering he was advised by his medical attendant not to remain owing to the condition of his health, and in the conduct of the special service which he had arranged his placed was filled by the Rev. F G Haslock, curate of the parish.

“The first item of interest was the presentation of a shower bouquet to Mrs Hope Morley by Mr G W Gordon, of Southwood, and then after Mr Fraser had explained the object of the gathering, the surpliced choir of the parish church, under the leadership of Mr G A Gosling (organist) led the company in singing of the hymn “In The Name which earth and heaven” following which the Rev F G Haslock read two collects and a prayer especially chosen for the occasion.

“Dr Fraser then briefly asked Mrs Hope Morley to lay the stone and on behalf of the committee he handed her a silver trowel.

“Mrs Morley performed the ceremony of ‘well and truly’ laying the stone which bore the following inscription “These almshouses were erected by the inhabitants of Leigh in commemoration of the sixtieth year of Queen Victoria’s reign, and this stone was duly laid by Mrs S Hope Morley, of Hall Place, December 22 1897.”

“The jubilee hymn “O King of Kings” was then sung. The Lord’s Prayer was then repeated by everyone present, the Doxology was sung, and the National Anthem concluded the service.

“Mr Fisher then on behalf of the Almshouses’ Committee and the inhabitants of the Parish proposed a note of thanks to Mrs S Hope Morley for not only her present that afternoon but for the graceful way in which we had laid the memorial stone. He did not know how they could better commemorate her Majesty’s lengthy reign than by erecting houses for the comfort of their poorer neighbours. Surely the blessing of those ready to period would be conferred on all of them when they made the widows’ hearts sing. There were, as they knew, in the country many memorials to the memory of the late Mr Samuel Hope Morley, and it was a kindly act on the part of the present squire in falling in with the idea of making it possible for the people to erect these Almshouses.

“Mr W Goodwin, the Chairman of the Parish Council, in seconding, said that the large attendance that day would show how Mrs Morley’s kindly act was appreciated. Not only had the Squire given the ground, but also a handsome donation toward the fund.

“Mr S Hope Morley said that he was desired by Mrs Morley to express the pleasure it gave her to be present that afternoon and to have taken part …”

For our purposes, it was this particular Press Article which reveals that the land was donated by Samuel Hope Morley and that the money had been raised by way of subscriptions from villagers to fund the building work. Thus it was a whole village initial. We also learn from the Parish Council minutes, that the architect of Almshouses was John M Sturgess and the builder Mr A Constable (see Free Press article 24 Sept 1898 below)

On 18 January 1898, now that the building work was near completion, the Parish Council met and Mr Graham reported on the Council Sub-Committee’s meeting with the Jubiliee Almshouses Committee. At this sub-committee, the question of the Parish Council taking over the management and maintenance of the almshouses as trustees in conjunction with Mr S Hope Morley was discussed. A letter from Mr G H Boby, Secretary of the Jubilee Almshouses Committee, was read whereby it was stated that they would not ask the Council to take any responsibility till the present debt was liquidated. The Parish Council agreed that once the debt was clear and the building completed that it would in conjunction with Samuel Hope Morley accept the Trusteeship as suggested by the Almshouse Committee.

At this same meeting, it was reported that waterpipes would be laid across the Green from the drinking trough to the almshouses with permission of the Parish Council Leigh Green subcommittee – on condition that the Green would be made good again afterwards. This had been agreed.

The above meeting was reported in Kent and Sussex Courier on 21 January 1898[iii], which further clarified some of the points discussed, but which did not in the minutes, that the Jubilee Almshouses Committee said it was perfectly clear that no pecuniary help was required from the Council to aid in the completion of the almshouses. And in respect of subsequent upkeep of them, the Jubilee Committee had discovered a clause in the Local Government Act which would meet the case and that it was within the province of the Council to take over the almshouses and to provide out of the rates any expenses incidental to, or consequent upon, taking them over. Mr Morley, speaking as a layman, quite agreed with this reading of the Act, but promised to take the opinion of his lawyer in London on the question. Mr Hogben proposed that subject to the Almshouses being completed in every way, free from debt, the Council should accept the Trusteeship, in conjunction with Mr S Hope Morley; This was seconded by Mr Graham, and carried unanimously.

Thus, from the above, the care of the Almshouses would fall to the Parish Council.

At the Parish Council meeting of 22 February 1898, the regulations for the management of the Almshouses (erected in 1897) by the inhabitants of Leigh in commemoration of the 60^th year of Queen Victoria’s reign were laid down:

The Managers shall be the Parish Council of Leigh for the time being and Mr Samuel Hope Morley of Hall Place, or whomsoever they approve.
The persons eligible for admission as inmates, shall be such aged poor persons of good character, who, at the time of their election, reside in the Parish and have at some time continuously reside din the said Parish for at least 10 years – preference so far as possible shall be given to widows or spinsters of 60 years of age and upwards, and to those persons, based within the Parish as its boundaries were defined in 1897.
The Inmates shall be elected by the managers and due notice shall be published by them by placards being publicly exhibited in all parts of the parish, at least one month previous to the day of election stating the qualifications of persons suitable for election, the number of Inmates to be elected and when and to whom candidate shall make application.
The Manager shall fill up any vacancy which may occur amongst the Inmates within three months after such occurrence.
No person shall be elected who, in the opinion of the managers, suffers from any ailment or physical defect, which might render him or her, either an unsuitable companion as neighbour to the other Inmates.
The Inmates shall behave peaceably, soberly, and quietly, and be helpful to each other.
The Inmates shall constantly keep their dwellings clean and decent, taking care of the fittings therein, and maintaining the gardens, walks, and fences tidy and neat, and they shall not make any alternations without the consent of the managers.
The Managers shall at once remove either of the Inmates, who shall be guilty of improper conduct, or wilfully break the regulations.
No Inmate shall eb allowed to have anyone to reside with him or her without the previous consent of the managers.
Any Inmate who may marry without the consent of the Managers, shall be at once removed.
The Managers shall appoint an officer to whom all communications are to be made.
The Inmates shall not be allowed to leave the Almshouses for a longer period than three consecutive days and nights without first obtaining the permission of the Managers, or their appointed officers; and neither dwelling shall be left entirely unoccupied for twenty-four consecutive hours, without the Inmates giving previous notice to and leaving the key or keys with the Managers or their appointed officer.
No Inmate shall use the Almshouses for carrying on any trade or business without the previous permission of the Managers.
Each dwelling will be occupied by two persons, each having a separate bedroom.
The Inmates shall occupy the Almshouses free from all rents, rates and taxes and shall be supplied with water free.
The Managers shall appoint one person with authority to inspect the Almshouses at any reasonable time.
A copy of these regulations shall be given to each Inmate on election and a copy shall also be kept constantly hung up in each dwelling.
The Managers shall from time to time and when occasion shall require, alter, add to,, or amend these regulations.

This was signed by John M Sturgess Chairman of the Meetings (8 Feb 1898)

However, on clause 2 of the above, it was proposed by Mr Hammond and seconded by Mr Davis that in the opinion of the Council 10 years, as specified, in the draft rules is preferable to the 20 years, as specified in the draft deed. Carried unanimously.

Therefore, it was proposed by Mr Graham, seconded by Mr Davis, that the Clerk should write to Mr Boby, secretary of Almshouses Committee to the efrect that this Council approved of the draft rules for the Leigh Almshouses, as drawn up by the joint sub-committee of the Parish Council and Almshouses Committee. Carried unanimously.

The subject of the almshouses was not raised again until the meeting of 18 August 1898 when Mr Boby, now a parish councillor, brought forward the question of the Council taking over the almshouses. However, the matter was postponed, to be discussed at their meeting on 30 August 1898, when the Chairman of the Parish Council , now Mr Hogben, moved that the letter received from the Almshouse Committee guaranteeing that all debts should be liquidated before the almshouses were taken over should be stamped, this was carried unanimously and the clerk was directed to get the letter stamped.

It was also proposed by Mr Baker and seconded by Mr Davis that this Council – having received the declaration from the Almshouses Committee agreeing to hand over the Almshouses free from debt – hereby confirm the resolution of 18 January 1898 and agree to accept the deeds at a date convenient to the Almshouses Committee. This was carried unanimously.

At the Parish Council meeting on 13 September 1898, it was reported that the letter from the Almshouse Committee had not been stamped because it was out of date. However, the question of the transfer of the Diamond Jubilee Almshouses to the parish Council on 20^th inst by Mrs S Hope Morley on behalf of the Committee was discussed. The Chairman read the rules as agreed to between the Almshouse Committee and the Parish Council.

A sub-committee consisting of the Chairman, Mr Hogben, the Vice Chairman, Mr Boby and the Clerk was appointed to draw up Notices for candidates for the almshouses.

Subsequently, this new Sub-committee met and the regulations for the Almhouses (Minutes book, p81: meeting 22 Feb 1898) were ordered to be printed – with an election of four inmates for the above to be held by the managers on 21 October 1898. The criteria for the candidates was given “Candidates shall be such aged poor persons, of good character, who at the time of their applications reside in the Parish of Leigh and shall at some time continuously resided in the said Parish, as at present constituted for at least 10 years. Preference so far as possible being given to widows or spinsters of 60 years and upwards, who were born in the Parish. Forms of application may be obtained of Mr R Stapley, clerk to the Leigh Parish Council and must be returned to him on or before 18 October 1898. N.b. claims of aged married couples will be duly considered.”

At the meeting on Monday 19 September 1898, the election of the Trustees of the Almshouses took place. Mr Boby elected a Trustee. Mr Charles Davis be a Trustee in conjunction with Mr S Hope Morley and the Chairman (W N Hogben). This was also reported in the FREE PRESS (24 Sept 1898) where it stated that the terms of office would be four years, with two retiring every two years but eligible for re-election.

The same FREE PRESS article went on to report on the actual OPENING of the almshouses which took place on 20^th September: “at 3pm the ceremony of opening the Almshouse took place, Mrs S Hope Morley having been invited by the committee to perform the ceremony.” The article lists those present who included Mr and Mrs S Hope Morley, Rev. H R Collum and Miss Collum, Dr and Mrs Fraser, Dr and Mrs Dempster, Miss Heath, Mr Thos Sturgess, Mr John M Sturgess (architect of the almshouses), Mr A Constable (builder), Mr and Mrs Fisher, Mr R Stapley, Mr W Goodwin, councillors C Davis and B W Baker &c. “It was intended that the deeds should be handed over to Mr W N Hogben on behalf of the Parish Council who will in future manage the almshouses, but Mr Hogben was unable to be present and sent a letter regretting his inability to attend. The Vicar inaugurated the ceremony by a brief address in which he alluded to the completion of the buildings as commemorative of the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen, saying they were an eloquent testimony to the loyalty which had prompted the subscribes to provide these comfortable dwellings for four aged poor persons of the parish. He invoked the blessing of the Almightly on those who might become inmates and then hand the key and deeds to Mrs Morley who unlocked the doors and declared the Almshouses duly opened, saying “I declare these Almshouses open and I trust they will prove a blessing to those who occupy them.”. Mr Morley next handed the deeds to Mr Stapley, as custodian for the Parish Council”.

Of interest is that the same article describes the Almshouses in some details – that they “are very substantially built consist of two dwellings with a sitting room and two bedrooms in each. Water is laid on. And in each sitting room is a small kitchener. There is also a glazed sink with water pipe over, fitting with brass tap, wood and coal stores; substantial cupboards with shelves; and a fireplace in each bedroom. Altogether they are provided with every convenience required in a cottage; while the sanitary appliances are of the latest pattern.”

On 21 October 1898, the managers of the Almshouses met , that is Mr S Hope Morley, Mr Hogben, Mr Davis, Mr Boby, and also Mr Baldwin, Mr Graham, J Housman Jr. These were proposed as managers and elected. They then went on to study the applications from possible candidates who were:

Widow Hannah May
Widow Elizabeth Frampton
Widow Elizabeth Lawrence
John and Philadelphia Duvall

It was then proposed that Widow Hannah May, Widow Elizabeth Frampton be elected to one dwelling. Widow May to have the choice. Widow Elizabeth Lawrence to have the other conditionally and that another widow be put in with her at any time when elected.

The meeting then adjourned until 21 November to await another possible candidate and Mr Graham moved that a lady be appointed to visit the almshouses to consult with the inmates. Also at this meeting of the Managers, it was reported that no further application had been made for the vacant room at the almshouse.

At the same meeting it was agreed that the Managers should appoint a lady to visit the Almshouses and report to the Clerk if any complaints were made by the inmates and see that they were comfortable. It was proposed that the District Visitor for that part of the parish (Mrs Fraser) was requested to act under this resolution.

The next meeting where the almshouses are mentioned was on 27 January 1899, the meeting reported that Mrs Fraser had written to complain of the chimneys of the almshouses smoking. It was proposed by Mr Graham that the letter should be referred to the Almshouses Committee. The Council also reported that the drains at the almshouses did not work properly and it was decided to call the attention of the committee to the fact, and also to remind them that the fence is not yet erected.

There is no further mention of the almshouses until the Parish Council meeting of 15 May 1899 when Mr McDonall proposed that the clerk should write to Mr J M Sturgess and ask him to bring the matter of the smoking chimney at the jubilee almshouses before Mr Constable the builder. Whilst Mr Baker proposed that the gardens at the almshouses should be placed in a tidy condition.

At the meeting on 13 June 1899, a reply was received from Mr Sturgess, the architect who had spoken to Mr Constable: Mr Constable had the chimneys examined and could find no obstructions and suggested that a pot be tried, the cost to be about 10s. Mr Sturgess also advised this as he had specially selected close ranges for the living rooms as he expected the trees round would affect the draught of the chimneys and quite expected they would be successful. But the matter was deferred until a member of the Council could examine them when they were smoking.

However, a bill from Mr Burfield of £1.19.0 for work on the almshouses gardens was settled.

At the meeting of 22 January 1900, they discussed the application of Mrs Bachelor to the almshouses, however it appears there was no decision for Mr Boby proposed Mr Davis seconded and it was agreed that notices should be published of a vacancy in the almshouses and inviting applications on or before 22 Feb. A letter was read from Mrs Fraser calling attention to the need of fenders for the fireplaces in the bedrooms at the almshouses and it was resolved that the clerk should inspect and report to the next meeting as to what was necessary in the matter.

On 22^nd February 1900, the Jubilee Almshouses Committee proposed that the question of Mrs Bachelor’s election as inmate stand over until it has been ascertained whether proper means could be guaranteed that she is efficiently cared for.

In respect of the fenders, the Clerk reported that he had visited the almshouses and that the fireplaces being so close to the beds, they are very much needed. Therefore, it was resolved to endeavour to raise the money to purchase them by subscription. Each committee member subscribed 1s.

At 22 March 1900 meeting the Clerk was able to report that he had purchased 3 fenders for the bedrooms at a cost of 10/6 and had received the amount by subscription.

And on the question of Mrs Bachelor as an inmate to the Almshouses, the Clerk reported that Mrs Lawrence stated that she could not undertake to attend to her and that he knew nothing further of the matter. Mr Graham proposed that, as no communication had been received from members of the Mrs Bachelor’s family, no further action should be taken and this was agreed.

Thenceforward the Almshouses appear in the Parish Council minutes with respect their maintenance, insurance, cleaning, gardens and when vacancies arose.

Joyce Field (November 2020)

[i] The first parish meeting lists all the people present: S. Hope Morley Esq, Rev Collum, T. Sturgess Esq; and Messrs J. Wallis, W. Goodwin, F. Holland, J. Pierson, G. H. Boby, J. Ringswood, A M Heath, Dr Hartree, F. Seabrook, W. Rogers, C. Davis, E. Stolton, A. Duvall, J. Duvall, E. Crowhurst, W. Seal, J. Humphrey J. Jenner, G. Simmons, Dr. Dempster, C. Hayter, W. Davis, T. Everest, H. Faircloth, A. T. Eade, H. Anscombe, H. Wilkins, W. Seal Jnr, I Ingram, J. Fitzjohn, J. Binfield, W. Draper, W. Upton, J. Clark, G. Summers, B. W. Baker, W. N. Hogben, L. Martin, T. Young Jnr , T. Young Snr, A. Parker, R. Gardner, G. Martin, C. Elphick, G. Brooker, A Duvall, J. Housman, A. Sales, F. Hitchcock, W. Marchant, T. Hobbs, J. Lucas, D Seal, R. Seal, H. May, W. Passingham, F. Goldsmith, A. Stubbins, H. Pearl, W. Baldwin, W. Brooker, R. Farmer, G. Bramblett, W. Card, John Wallis, R. May, J. Whibley, C. Gasson, G. Batchelor, H. Welfare, J. Grayland, J. Nye, G. Young, G. Everest, H. Bowra, J. Upton, J. Brooker, J. Upton, W. Cheeseman, J. Crouch, A Bye, C. Pocock, G. Golding, W. Wheatley, J. Upton, W. Ford.
Elected: Samuel Hope Morley take Chair as provisional chairman
Nominations given and those elected: Bradbury William Baker; William Baldwin; William Thomas Cooke; Charles Davis; Walter Davis; Frank Fraser; William Goodwin; William Rogers; Thomas Sturgess.
First Meeting held on 14 Dec 1894. Information on the first councillors:
Thomas Sturgess, Land agent, of Penshurst Park
Frank Fraser, Doctor of Medicine
William Rogers, Farmer, Enfield
William Goodwin, of Paul’s Farm, Leigh
William Baldwin, Gas Stoker of Leigh
Bradbury William Baker, Cricket Ballmaker, Oak Cottage
Charles Davis, gardener, Hall Place
Walter Davis, farm labourer
William Thomas Cook
Proposed by Mr Goodwin and Mr Cook that Mr Thomas Sturgess be Chairman.
Thus, business begins:
First points of business were with respect of Charities for the parish; and second points was repair of footpaths across green. Discussion of lighting in village. Smells from urinals at beer shops; unhealthy state of ponds on Lower Green; smells of sewerage from railway area; outbreak of disease at Ramhurst.
[ii] William Goodwin was also formerly Overseer of Leigh Vestry. In November 1894 when the new Parish Council was set up, following the Local Government Act of 1894, he was elected as one of the parish councillors. The first parish meeting proper took place on 4 December 1894.
[iii] 21 Jan 1898 Kent and Sussex Courier
Leigh
The Jubilee Almshouses – a Meeting of the Parish Council was held at the Schools on Tuesday, Mr Goodwin presiding. Mr Graham, in giving a report of an interview the sub-committee had with a deputation of the Jubilee Almshouse Committee, said it was perfectly clear that no pecuniary help was required from the Council to aid in the completion of the almshouses. As to the subsequent up-keep, the secretary of the Jubilee Committee had discovered a clause in the Local Government Act which would meet the case. It was within the province of the Council to take over the almshouses and, as he understood it, to provide out of the rates any expenses incidental to, or consequent upon, taking them over. Mr Morley, speaking as a layman, quite agreed with this reading of the Act, but promised to take the opinion of his lawyer in London on the question. Mr Hogben proposed that subject to the Almshouses being completed in every way, free from debt, the Council should accept the trusteeship, in conjunction with Mr S Hope Morley ; This was seconded by Mr Graham, and carried unanimously.

The Jubilee Almshouses

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