The Grand Opening of Hockley Almshouses in Titchfield Square

The Earl of Southampton Trust received a loan of £100,000 from the Almshouse Association to convert an existing building containing an office and meeting room into a new Almshouse fit for the 21st Century.

The Earl of Southampton Trust as a charity can trace its routes back to 1579. The Trust is an amalgamation of five charities, the oldest of which, called ‘Godfrey’s charity’ and the largest of which was called ‘The Earl of Southampton Trust’. The Trust provides almshouses in the ancient parish of Titchfield, between Southampton and Portsmouth on the South Coast in Hampshire.

At this point, the Trust had a mixed stock of 19 almshouses, ranging from one bedroomed houses to three bedroomed family homes, some modern and some more than 400 years old, listed and within a conservation area.

Until the pandemic 24 The Square was a ground floor converted building housing a kitchen and wash room, together with the Trust’s office and a living room sized meeting room which operated as a day room for the elderly in the parish. The day room was temporarily closed due to social distancing rules and following consultation the Trust redirected funds to supported the elderly in lunch clubs in the parish and looked to covert the property to a new almshouse.

The Trust knew the conversion would need to be sympathetic to retain listed features whilst providing safe, modern, warm and eco-friendly facilities, working with the local planning department, listed buildings officer and local tradesmen.

Applying for a loan

The Trust found the application process very simple following the helpful guidance that was provided by the Almshouse Association and were notified that their application had been successful within two weeks of the application.

The works

The Trust are absolutely thrilled with what has been achieved with the assistance of the loan. It’s trusty team of local tradesmen worked hard to ensure that the property met all the strict requirements of the local authority, retaining and restoring old beams, windows and other features whilst installing an accessible kitchen and bathroom, together with spacious bedroom and living room overlooking Titchfield Square.

Galvanised by the loan for 24 The Square, the Trust also renovated its market rent flat above at 24A the Square creating a second new Almshouse, increasing its almshouse stock by 10% to 21 in just one year.

The new almshouses were named Hockley Cottages, after a recently retired and long standing trustee. The Trust had an official opening ceremony on 22nd September 2024.

The Trust was so proud of its achievements, it produced a video of the day demonstrating the high quality nature of the conversions.

Watch The Hockley Almshouses Video Tour

The Trust will forever be thankful to the Almshouse Association for the loan, to its Clerk and Trustees for acting as project managers and of course to the workmen who were dedicated, skilful and hardworking.