Alms Houses were once quite common in the city, usually built by a rich benefactor, often as a way of buying their way into heaven. Few of these building survive now, the old Devonshire Houses on Full Street were demolished to make was for a power station at the start of the 20th century. The only alms houses still serving their original purpose are those run be the Liversge Trust

The Liversage Alms Houses

This beautiful Grade II listed group of buildings was erected in 1836 for the Liversage Trust. This was founded in 1529 under the terms of the will of Robert Liversage, a well respected and highly skilled man who had built his fortune as a dyer of wool and business man. Upon his death, as well as establishing a chapel in his local church of St Peter's, he also had most of his possessions given to the vicar so that they could benefit the poor. To this end a group of almshouses was erected on St Peter's Churchyard later being replaced by the group pictured here on London Road.The Liversage Trust continues to operate as a highly successful charitable housing association and these almshouse continue to provide accommodation for pensioners who have lived within the old parish boundaries.