Lady Lumley's Almshouse Trust -"Raising the Roof"

Aim: These historic buildings have stood for over 350 years as a testament to community care and heritage. Now, they need your help.

Summary

Lady Lumley's Almshouses have been the cornerstone of our community for centuries, providing safe and secure housing for those in need. However, we now need support in an urgent project to re-roof these cherished buildings.  

Background 

Lady Lumley’s Almshouses were built in 1656, established by the philanthropist Viscountess Lumley, for the poor and elderly residents of the area. Comprising of 12 self-contained homes these Grade II heritage buildings are managed by a small group of Trustees whose aim is still to provide safe and secure accommodation for local residents who suffer financial hardship, and/or require physical or emotional support. Lady Lumley's Almshouses are a permanent part of the community in perpetuity, meaning generation after generation of local people in housing need can live in a safe and secure place they call home.

The Almshouses are a registered charity (229068) and a member of the Almshouses Association.  The Trustees work hard to maintain their heritage whilst ensuring they stay relevant to modern day living. This can be a complex undertaking for a set of cottages of this age within the conservation area of the North York Moors National Park Local Planning Authority. In 2014  the Almshouses were extended, to provide a modern open and airy kitchen and living area, an accessible wet room bathroom, all with underfloor heating, whilst retaining their charm and original features.

Raising the Roof

The roofs to the rear of the Almshouses are letting in water. A roof survey shows extensive water damage which is now seeping through the roof seams causing damp, and now subsequently leaking water into residents’ homes, affecting electrics and plasterwork. 

Restoring a heritage building is costly, and we are launching a fundraising campaign to raise the necessary funds. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal and safeguard this piece of Thornton-le-Dale’s history.  

 The project costs have been estimated at £650,000.  This includes the removal of the old roofing and beams, installation of new zinc roof, and necessary structural repairs. Once completed, the Almshouses will be weatherproof, energy-efficient, and secure for decades to come. We have secured loans from the Almshouse Association and Charity Bank to cover the majority of the costs and our target is to raise £100,000 through fundraising to meet the shortfall.

Your support will not only preserve a piece of our heritage but also ensure that vulnerable members of our community continue to have a safe and warm place to live. Lady Lumley’s Almshouses have sheltered generations of villagers, and with your help, they will continue to do so for many more. Let’s come together to ensure this historic treasure remains a cornerstone of Thornton-le-Dale.  

These almshouses are more than just buildings—they’re a living part of our village’s story. By supporting this project, you’re not just fixing a roof; you’re preserving a legacy of compassion and community that dates back centuries. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th August 2025 at 12:35pm