In 1312 this site was the location of the St Laurence Hospital, who cared for people with leprosy. Since then it has been revived several times, looking to support different vulnerable groups in need of affordable housing, including returning soldiers and elderly women. The architecture is beautifully designed, which is common for Victorian buildings designed for charity use.
It was refounded by:
• Elizabeth I in 1597
• in 1897 as a tribute to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee
• and again in 2014.
At the moment Buckingham Almhouses and General Charities look after the building, prioritising those in particular need for affordable housing to live in the homes. The charity also maintains the Barton’s Hospital near the church.
If you look closely, you can see a memorial stone on the chimney of this building.