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The Almshouses Castle Hill

Nicholas Eyffler was a German immigrant who settled first in London and then in Warwick. In the 16th Century glass windows were becoming increasingly common and as a glazier he supplied glass for both Sir Thomas Lucy, at the time he was building Charlecote, and for the Earl of Leicester at Kenilworth Castle.

In his will Eyffler instructed that on a close on the Back Hills, now known as Castle Hill, two timber framed barns should be converted and extended into four almshouses.

Another wealthy 16th century mercer, Thomas Oken, also decreed in his will that three properties he owned in Pebble Lane should be converted for use as almshouses. When the Pebble Lane almshouses were destroyed in the great fire of Warwick, the Oken charity built six additional almshouses on the southern end of the almshouses at Castle Hill.

The almshouses still exist today and can be seen next to the Baptist Church on Castle Hill. The two charities of Thomas Oken and Nicholas Eyffler combined some years ago and today’s trustees continue to own and manage the cottages on behalf of the residents. Over the years the buildings have been regularly improved and upgraded and now comprise three two-bedroomed terraced cottages and four maisonettes housing nine residents. At the back they share a pretty lawned garden.

Applicants must have lived within the bounds of the town of Warwick for two years and demonstrate a need for assisted housing.

For details of vacancies and how to apply to become a resident click here

 

 

The Guild Cottages

In 1991 the combined charity of Thomas Oken and Nicholas Eyffler built its first new almshouses for three hundred years. Various sites were considered but eventually a derelict piece of land in Bowling Green Street, which belonged to the Lord Leycester Hospital, was acquired for £41,848. Here adjacent to the Hospital and beneath the Wall which marked the boundary of the mediaeval town the seven Guild Cottages were built with the help of grants from the King Henry VIII Charity and Baron Davenport’s Charity.

Today the Guild Cottages form a pleasant L-shaped courtyard below the ancient walls and share a peaceful garden. The cottages are all one-bedroomed and consist of three downstairs flats, three upstairs flats and a bungalow.

Applicants must have lived within the bounds of the town of Warwick for two years and be able to demonstrate a need for assisted housing.

For details of vacancies and how to apply to become a resident click here.

Guild cottage2
Guild cottage1
Guild cottage gardens1