James Butler Almshouses

TUCKED away behind the Meade Court sheltered housing complex off Guildford Road in Bagshot are the James Butler Almshouses. You may have noticed the single storey row of cottages as you filter left from the A322 into New Road.

Not many people know that the village has almshouses, let alone where they are. But there have been almshouses in Bagshot since the 18th century.   Those you see today were rebuilt in 1928 and have undergone regular updating and refurbishment ever since.

They are administered by the trustees of Windlesham United Charities, six local people who are guided by their clerk, Mrs Doris Christie, BEM.   Today the almshouses consist of a two-storey cottage, two two-person bungalows - one adapted for a disabled person - and six single bedsit units.  There is also an administration unit which houses a laundry for residents’ use equipped with washing machines and tumble dryers, an office for the clerk, meeting room for the trustees and residents kitchen and shower room so that it can double as overnight accommodation for residents’ friends and relatives who wish to visit.  This unit was built in 2005 and opened by the Countess of Wessex.

To be eligible for an almshouse you must have lived in Bagshot, Windlesham or Lightwater for two years, or have a relative who has done so. The trustees found that demand for accommodation was coming from people living in the three villages who wanted to move elderly relatives closer to them, and they agreed to widen the eligibility clause to enable this to happen.

In addition to rent, residents pay a weekly management charge which covers heating, water charges, window cleaning, use of the laundry and garden maintenance.

The almshouses form a tight-knit community living in warm, pleasant and surprisingly peaceful surroundings, considering the proximity of the A322 and New Road.

A history of the almshouses is available from Mrs Christie at 4 James Butler Almshouses, Guildford Road, Bagshot, GU19 5NH at £4 including postage. For further information write to Mrs Christie at the above address or call 01276 471140.

June Green, chairman, Windlesham United Charities.