Gray's Almshouses, nestled in the heart of Taunton, Somerset, is a hidden gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's rich history. Founded in 1635 by the prosperous cloth merchant Robert Gray, this charming terrace of almshouses stands as one of the oldest surviving buildings in Taunton and one of the earliest brick constructions in the county. With its quaint architecture and historical significance, Gray's Almshouses is a must-see for anyone visiting Taunton.
Robert Gray, born in Taunton in 1570, carved out a successful career in the bustling City of London. As a member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, Gray traded in cloths, which he finished and dyed in his shop on Bread Street. His business acumen and great wealth allowed him to give back to his hometown in a meaningful way. In 1635, Gray founded the almshouses next to his birthplace on East Street, providing accommodation for ten poor women, a chapel, a schoolroom, and a room for a reader who acted as both chaplain and schoolmaster.
Gray's Almshouses is an architectural delight, stretching 130 feet in length and boasting a two-storey structure with matching mullioned windows on each level. The red brick construction, a rarity for its time, has stood the test of centuries, making it one of the oldest surviving brick buildings in Somerset. The building's austere Jacobean style is accentuated by nine chimney stacks, each with two chimneys set diagonally, and a roof made of clay tiles.
Above two of the entrances, visitors can admire the sculpted coats of arms: those of the Merchant Taylors Company and those of Robert Gray. The latter's coat of arms, Barry of six azure and argent, on a bend gules three annulets or, reflects the heritage of the ancient Anglo-Norman noble House of Grey. These coats of arms are the only decorative elements that break the building's otherwise unadorned severity.
The initial building housed ten poor women, with Gray providing an endowment of freehold land valued at £2,000. The profits from this land were distributed among the residents, each receiving eight shillings a month. Although Gray had intended the almshouses to be managed by the Merchant Taylors' Company, the trusteeship was passed on to selected townsmen of Taunton due to logistical challenges.
Gray's vision extended beyond his lifetime. He planned an additional building to house six poor men, which was completed by the trustees in 1696, following delays caused by the Civil War and legal matters. Further donations in the eighteenth century by John Noble and John Coles increased the allowance for the poor to three shillings per week.
The brick construction of Gray's Almshouses proved resilient during the Civil War, unlike the adjoining wooden Pope's almshouses, which were burnt down by Royalist troops during the Siege of Taunton. This resilience has allowed Gray's Almshouses to remain a significant historical landmark in Taunton.
A contemporary stone tablet affixed to the facade of the almshouses bears an inscription that pays homage to Robert Gray's charitable work. The inscription reads:
RC Laus DeoThis charitable worke is founded by Robert Graye of the Cittie of London, Esquier, borne in this towne in the howse adioyninge heereunto who in his lyfe tyme doth erect ytt for tenn poore aged syngle women and for ther competent livelihood and daylie prayers in the same hath provided sufficient maintenaunce for the same 1635
On June 4, 1952, Gray's Almshouses was designated a Grade I listed building by English Heritage, recognizing its exceptional historical and architectural interest. In the 1960s, the Taunton Heritage Trust took control of the almshouses, and in 1989, a complete refurbishment was carried out with the help of grants from the Tenant Services Authority and English Heritage. Today, the building comprises nine flats providing sheltered housing for pensioners, along with a laundry room and a communal room.
In 2004, a competition was held for students of interior design at Somerset College of Arts and Technology to suggest improvements to the décor and lighting. As a result, various changes were made to brighten the interiors, ensuring that Gray's Almshouses continues to serve its residents in comfort and style.
Gray's Almshouses is not just a historical monument; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Robert Gray's philanthropy and the resilience of Taunton's community. A visit to this charming terrace offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty that has stood the test of centuries.
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