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Croydon Almshouse Charities has a long and eventful history. Our story goes back to 1447 when our original founder, Elias Davy, a Citizen and Mercer of the City of London, bought a piece of land in what was then the centre of Croydon.
Elis David Almshouses is Croydons oldest existing charity, founded by Elias Davy, Citizen of London and member of the Mercers Company, in 1447. His name became changed over the years due to mis-transcription at a time when many could not read or write.
Elias Davy was a wealthy trader in luxury fabrics. Married twice, he had a son who died in infancy, and a daughter who married John Derby, Citizen of London and member of the Drapers' Company. She gave him two grandsons. Elias lived in the City of London near to the church of St. Michael Bassishaw; he held the Manor of Acton for a period, and traded extensively including in Bruges, Belgium.
He died on 4 December 1455 and was buried in Croydon Parish Church, now Croydon Minster. In accordance with his wishes, this date is remembered by the Elis David Almshouses Residents and Directors with a service in the church on his Years Mynde – the medieval anniversary of death; the Mynde Day Service.
In 1443 Elias Davy purchased a piece of land called “Delles” near to Croydon Minster. It was marshy with the river Wandle running through it. He drained it and built his almshouses there for eight people of either sex, together with four cottages, orchards and gardens. He endowed the almshouses with land and property and gave instructions to increase the holdings over the years.
The Ordinances of his almshouses, which are long and detailed, were signed on 27 April 1447 – a date which is now celebrated as our Founders' Day. The almshouses were founded in perpetuity and intended to be a community of prayer and care. The Vicar and Churchwardens were to be Trustees and the Master and Wardens of the Mercers’ Company Overseers.
The location of the original almshouses building is now known as Ramsey Court and is located in Church Street by the Minster. It is thought that parts of the original north wing may still remain, although with Victorian exterior. The building was enlarged for 12 people in 1875, and a new wing with almost matching appearance added in 1887. It was much loved by Croydonians, who, until the mid-nineteenth century, called it "The great Almshouse."
With the growth and development of Croydon the almshouses buildings required extending, which was impossible on the original site. So they were given to Croydon Council in return for a site on Duppas Hill Terrace, where a new building was erected in 1974 to house eighty residents. It was opened in March 1975 by HRH Princess Alexandra who returned in October 2010 after major refurbishment. A plaque was unveiled on the original building by the Master of the Mercers’ Company Mr Simon Wathen on 27 April 2014.
Today the Vicar of Croydon and the Churchwardens of Croydon Minster, together with a member of the Mercers’ Company, are on the Board of Directors. In 1979 the Elis David Almshouses joined the Almshouse Association. Ramsay Court is now Grade 2 Listed.
North Wing of Ramsey Court, the old Elis David Almshouses building, with Victorian exterior
Plaque commemorating Elias Davy and the founding of the almshouse, on the North Wing of Ramsey Court
Research into the history of the Elis David Almshouses has been carried out with great thoroughness and enthusiasm by Sue Turnbull, a local historian and former resident of the almshouses. More recently Sue has teamed up with Karen Ip, a Director of the Charity, to research other projects including Mary Tate's Almshouses, and to give talks and organise local history exhibitions.
Sue has published a book on the Elis David Almshouses, which is available from the Clerk to the Directors for a charge of £5 plus postage and packaging. To order a copy please contact us.
We also have a History Room at the Elis David Almshouses where you can see displays on aspects of the history.
Croydon Almshouse Charities' "History Department"
