An Apostolic Institution: 800 years of St Ethelbert’s Almshouses

The latest exhibition in the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library at Hereford Cathedral explores the history of St Ethelbert’s Almshouses.

An exhibition that showcases the changes in life over 800 years goes on display in Hereford Cathedral.

Eight hundred years ago, a ‘house for the poor’ was founded on land next to the cathedral on Broad Street -this institution still exists today as St Ethelbert’s Almshouses and is now on Castle Street.

A new exhibition, An Apostolic Institution: 800 years of St Ethelbert’s Almshouses, features materials from the cathedral’s archive which share how the residents’ lives have altered and changed over the last eight hundred years.

Elizabeth Semper O’Keefe, Cathedral Archivist, said:

“It’s been a joy to delve into the history of the St Ethelbert’s Almshouses and discover the stories of some of the former Masters and residents. The cathedral still continues to support those in need within the community today and seeing how that support has evolved over the years has been fascinating.”

Today, the Hereford Cathedral Almshouses Charity provides and manages a total of six almshouses in Hereford, and fifteen in Ledbury.

Whilst the purpose of St Ethelbert’s Almshouses remains broadly the same since its founding in 1225 by Elias of Bristol, a canon of Hereford Cathedral, the way they have been managed, and the experiences of the residents have changed throughout the years.

The cathedral archive is rich in documents and information relating to the almshouses including the original seal design which was used to authenticate documents and the actions within them.

A surviving example in the collection includes a 13th century document agreeing that a man named Richard will have the same food daily as other paupers.

A later document, dated 12 March 1588, lists the names of the brothers and sisters of the almshouses on the back of a mandate from the Dean and Chapter summoning the Master of St Ethelbert’s to visitations.

Another shows a set of rules from 1923 that the cathedral authorities had over the ‘inmates’ at the time including instructions on what time the doors will be locked and how often they should attend services at the cathedral!

To commemorate the 800th anniversary of the founding of St Ethelbert’s almshouses, local historian David Whitehead will be giving this year’s Ethelbert Lecture on Wednesday 20 May.

Everyone is welcome to join this free talk, which will uncover the history of St Ethelbert’s almshouses, in the Lady Chapel at 4pm with complimentary refreshments served from 3.30pm.

An Apostolic Institution: 800 years of St Ethelbert’s Almshouses will be on display in the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library from Monday 14 April until Saturday 27 September between 10am and 5pm, Monday – Saturday. Admission charges apply.