Guided Tour of Steeple End Almshouses

The Halesworth almshouses in Steeple End (adjacent to St Mary’s Church) were founded at the end of the 1600s following a gift in the will of William Cary. They may have replaced an earlier building on the site known from as early as 1480. When first constructed, the almshouses provided accommodation for the use of widows, enabling them to live and work in the days before pensions became universal and where often the only alternative in old age was the district Workhouse. The building has changed function a number of times over the years and is currently in use as a charity shop on the ground floor and Halesworth Gallery on the first floor. The tour will explore the history of the almshouse and tour the upper floors of the building.
Although the tour on Wednesday 16th September is limited to 10 people, the Halesworth Gallery is open for the whole of Heritage Open Day week and visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour during gallery open hours. There are details of the history of the building available. Open hours Monday to Saturdays 11am - 4pm and Sunday 2 - 4pm.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

1400-1500

Location & directions

Halesworth Gallery, Steeple End, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8LL

Directions:

Difficult access to 400 year-old alms house. Steep steps or access via fire escape at rear. Toilets on ground floor.

Contact on day:

Kevin Wooldridge

Telephone number:

+441502565591

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Bookings via The Cut Halesworth [email protected]

Booking contact name:

Cut Box Office

Booking telephone number:

+443003033211

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://thecut.org.uk/contact/

Booking opens:

25 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

01 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Difficult access in 400 year old alms house. There are steep stairs to be negotiated to reach the upper floors of the building. Parking in town car parks nearby.

Additional information

Max number of people:

10

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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