More information : [SD 45680940] Almshouses [TI] (1)
Almshouses at Lathom - For men only, founded 1500; not suppressed
in the 16th c. (2)
"This was a foundation .... for a chaplain and eight bedesmen founded
by the second Earl of Derby in 1500. It also survived the
Reformation, or was soon refounded, and exists to the present
time." (3)
"... The tradition was that the original foundation had been at
Upholland, and was due to the Lovels; and that after the Lovel
manors were granted to the earls of Derby the almshouse was
removed to Lathom. No evidence for this was produced but it was
proved that for at least 30 years the Bailiff of Holland had
paid #25 a year to the almshouse, in which there were ten
almsmen governed by a minister called the Master .....
The alms appear to have been the Holland dole formerly
distributed at Upholland Priory previous to the dissolution of the
religious houses ...." (4)
LATHOM. Lesser Hospital or Hospice (income under 50 pounds which
existed until AD 1500. [Type used indicates remains of
importance] (5)
LATHOM chapel, a little building of c.1500, forms the NE angle of
a group of buildings, a row of almshouses adjoining it on the
west, and a vestry and school building on the south-east.
A chantry was founded in the new chapel at Lathom, to which a
hospital was attached, by THOMAS, second earl of DERBY, in
1500.
The foundation, so far as concerned the almshouse, either
escaped destruction in 1547-8 or was soon refounded. In 1614, it
was described as "a small chapel to ORMSKIRK', served by 'a curate
with a small pension.' The minister has usually been styled the
Almoner. The almsmen sent, in 1650, a protest to the
Parliamentary Commissioners against the confiscation of their
endowment, although it was derived from lands of the earl of
DERBY.
In 1827, the Charity Commissioners found that 13 poor persons
by ancient custom received #3 6s 0d yearly apiece; 6 of these
pensioners lived in the almonry. The chapel attached was a
domestic chapel, but was attended by residents in the
neighbourhood who had permission to do so. (6)
LATHOM. [No dedication.] 1500 Founded by Sir T STANLEY. [Patron
not known.] 7
The chapel, dedicated to ST. JOHN THE DIVINE, is in regular use
for divine worship. It is a small building with bell turret at
the NW end. Where not stuccoed the walls are of rubble masonry.
The windows seem to be largely modern insertions except for
parts of the surround of the large SE window, which is in the
Perpendicular style.
The almshouses also seem to have been largely restored, with
outer walls stuccoed. The doorways, of Tudor type, with hood
moulds, also appear to be modern. The only trace of old work is
some rubble masonry in the west wall of the eastern range. The
north range, outbuildings to the west, and the private residence
occupying the SW corner of the block all appear quite modern.
Mrs CARTER of No 3, a woman of about 80 years, stated that at
one time there were only five almshouses (there are now eleven).
These would be the eastern range containing the old stonework.
She also stated that the building at the SW angle was once a
school (This is confirmed by authority (6). The cardinal points
given by this authority are incorrect).
Both chapel and almshouses are in good condition. The almshouses
are all occupied.
See card 5 for ground photographs (8)
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