Almshouse

Wealthy people could demonstrate their piety by founding almshouses. Lord Burghley’s almshouse at Stamford illustrates how helping the poor could combine religious commitment with concern for order and a desire to leave a lasting family memorial.

Wealthy benefactors established charities and almshouses; Archbishop Whitgift founded an almshouse in Croydon to assist local people. Such provision could support vulnerable individuals, although it did not remove the economic causes of poverty.