There aren’t many places, churches excepted, that were built over 400 years ago and are still fulfilling the purpose for which they were built. The Hospital of the Holy Trinity, otherwise known as the Whitgift Almshouses, in Croydon, is an example of that.
Residents in the Almshouses live independently within a safe and secure community. They enjoy being part of the wider Foundation with regular coffee mornings, attendance at concerts and exhibitions in the Foundation schools and other social events with Whitgift House.
At the heart of the community is the Chapel. Weekly worship takes place in the Chapel as residents and staff come together for the Eucharist (monthly) or Prayer during the Day. Residents attend different churches around Croydon on Sundays and some attend Croydon Minster, the parish church.
The John Whitgift Foundation welcomes applications for the Almshouses. The criteria are that prospective residents should live in the Borough of Croydon or Lambeth, be aged 60 or over, be of modest means and communicant members of the Church of England. Applications should be supported by the parish priest.
The Almshouses were established by Archbishop John Whitgift in 1596. Archbishop John Whitgift loved Croydon. The Archbishops of Canterbury had a summer residence, a palace, and the buildings remain. His legacy is maintained to this day by the John Whitgift Foundation. Archbishop Whitgift specified that the Incumbent of Croydon should be a Governor and more recently Bishop of Croydon have also been, as Bishop Rosemarie is today.
Whitgift’s Christian social vision was one of care for older people and education of the young. That commitment to Croydon continues through the Foundation’s schools – Whitgift, Trinity and Old Palace of John Whitgift School – which educate boys and girls, offering significant bursary support.
Today the Foundation also runs sheltered and nursing care for older people at Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House.
It may be that you, or someone you know, might appreciate living in this remarkable place and be part of an ongoing, historic story in the heart of Croydon.
Please email us at enquiries@whitgiftcare.co.uk for further details and application forms.
Canon Andrew Bishop, Priest in Charge, Croydon Minster