The Almshouse in Britain: an Architectural History

by Matthew Saunders

Thursday 23 January 2025
Almshouse
SHS Saunders Photo

Sherborne has one of the best almshouse complexes in the South West and this talk will place its history and conservation in the national context. The speaker, who is writing a history of the building type in England and Wales, will take us from the modest single storey terrace to some of the grandest buildings in the country such as St Cross at Winchester, and The Great Hospital at Norwich with excursions into their chapels, gardens and livery, concluding with an overview on what promises to be a bright future.

Matthew Saunders MBE was until his recent retirement Secretary of Ancient Monuments Society, which was a statutory consultee on applications affecting listed buildings of all ages, and Director of The Friends of Friendless Churches, which now owns some 60 historic churches and chapels. He was a Trustee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund 2005-2011.

More Upcoming Talks

Talks are held in the Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, starting at 8pm.

Complimentary tea and coffee are available from 7.15pm.

24 Sep
2024

Mapping Dorset’s Historic Buildings

by Michael Hill

Tuesday 24 September 2024
From country houses to churches and towns, Michael Hill has been researching Dorset historic buildings, the results published in three books.
8 Oct
2024

What makes Putin tick, and why he invaded the Ukraine

by Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire

Tuesday 8 October 2024
Putin’s influences and experience in his formative years and how they have shaped his attitudes today.