Historical Almshouse Charity Celebrates Guildford in Bloom Victory

Published on: 22 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 25 Oct, 2024

The Caleb Lovejoy Cottages in Bury Street

By Jessica Greenhall

manager & clerk to the trustees of Caleb Lovejoy’s Almshouse Charity

A charity whose Guildford-born founder lived in the 17th century celebrated a 21st century floral victory at its annual reception this month.

Friends and supporters of Caleb Lovejoy’s Almshouse Charity attended the reception held at St Nicolas’ Parish Centre, Bury Street, in the presence of HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and the Patron of the Charity, Michael More-Molyneux, and the Mayor of Guildford Sallie Barker MBE.

The reception is held each year to celebrate the life of the Charity’s founder, Caleb Lovejoy (1603 – 1676). Caleb was born near St Nicolas’ Church, and was a Royal Grammar School pupil before moving to London aged fourteen, where he was apprenticed to a member of the Merchant Taylors’ Company.

He subsequently became a wealthy merchant, was a supporter of the Parliamentarians during the Civil War, and made provision in his will for four almshouses to be built in the Parish of St Nicolas.

The now Grade II listed almshouses were built near the site of Caleb’s former family home in Bury Street, and close to St Nicolas’ Church. The almshouses continue to provide a home for older residents of limited financial means with local connections.

Roger Musson congratulating Caroline Coleman and residents for their Guildford in Bloom Gold Award.

During the reception, Roger Musson, chair of the trustees, welcomed all those present and highlighted the recent win of a Gold Award for the Best Neighbourhood Project in the 2024 Guildford in Bloom competition.

The residents and garden overseer, Caroline Coleman, were congratulated on this achievement and thanked for their hard work in the beautiful communal garden surrounding the cottages.

Stephen Freeth giving his talk on Caleb Lovejoy’s life.

A traditional feature of the reception is a presentation by another charity and this year a fascinating talk was given by Stephen Freeth, the Company Archivist of the Merchant Taylors’ Company. The Merchant Taylors’ Company is one of the great twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Caleb’s Will specified that representatives of the Merchant Taylors should carry out various duties in the oversight of the Charity.

However, a search of archived records of the Merchant Taylors reveal litigation indicating that all did not proceed as planned! Nevertheless it’s pleasing to note that through Stephen’s visit a continuing link between the Livery Company and this local charity has been maintained over 400 years after Caleb Lovejoy’s apprenticeship began.

The Trustees thanked all attendees and especially Stephen Freeth for his research and interesting talk about the Charity’s founder.