1. You are here:
  2. Homepage
  3. What's on?
  4. Search events
  5. Cleaves Almshouses

Back to results

Cleaves Almshouses

49-71 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT2 6ND

  • Multiple dates available
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

Visit Cleaves Almshouses in Old London Rd on Sat 20th and Sun 21st Sept. Come and see this exquisite piece of Kingston's Heritage, hear about the fascinating history of this heaven of peace, and meet some of the residents & trustees over refreshments

Almshouses are dwellings provided by a benefactor in perpetuity for people in need and administered by a body of voluntary Trustees. The first recorded Almshouses were founded by King Athelstan in York, in the 10th Century. He was crowned in the church at Kingston, which stood on the site of the present All Saints Church next to the Kingston market. The founder of the Almshouses of Kingston, William Cleave, was born during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in 1572 and lived well into the reign of King Charles II. He ran a prosperous business in the City of London, was a Liveryman of the Haberdashers’ Company and lived in Kingston. He died in the year following the Great Fire of London and was buried in All Saints Church next to the Kingston market. In his will, William Cleave stipulated many charitable bequests, including a legacy of land and money for the provision of housing for 12 poor people for ever. The Almshouses were built in 1669, extended in 1889 and substantially refurbished and modernised in 1994. This created a magnificent garden space for the use and benefit of all residents. The legacy of care, generosity and compassion has been passed on through the centuries. Currently the Charity provides comfortable, independent and affordable homes and houses 29 people over the age of 60. 356 years after the death of William Cleave, his bequest to Kingston is still providing homes for elderly people in need, in a charming setting in the heart of our town.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:
11.00am - 3.00pm
Sunday 21 September:
11.00am - 3.00pm

Location & directions

49-71 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT2 6ND

Directions:
Old London Road is the site of Kingston's famous art installation named "Out of Order" by David Mach, installed in 1989. Its a series of 12 old fashioned red phone box's that are laid out as though they have fallen against each other.
Contact on day:
Tsetsy Kavanozova
Telephone number:
+447901923001

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Back to results

Other nearby events

Pubs of Old Kingston

56 Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT2 6QA
21 Sep 2025
In person
Pre-booking required

A fascinating walking tour of the past and present pubs of Kingston. In the 19th century there were 52 pubs within 20 minutes walk of the Market place, now there are 6. We will explore the history of brewing from Roman times to the present day.

Kingston Museum, Art Gallery and Library

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Fairfield Road, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT1 2PS
13 Sep 2025
In person
Pre-booking not required

Kingston Museum, Art Gallery and Library are Grade II listed Carnegie buildings. The Museum tells the story of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames from its ancient origins to the current day, while the Library is a well used community hub.

Kingston guided tour

Kingston Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, KT1 1JP
Multiple dates available
In person
Pre-booking required

Come and join us for a historic walking tour around Kingston. You will hear about Kingston's rich history from Anglo-Saxons to the present day. We will show you the coronation stone, Kingston bridge and much more.