Supporting the Charity

St John's Hospital Bath is one of the oldest Almshouse charities in the UK. Established in 1174, by Bishop Reginald Fitzjocelyn de Bohun, the historic charity cares for over 120 elderly poor within its sheltered housing complexes.

From a restricted medieval ‘hospital’ foundation, the charity has grown, expanded and developed over the last eight hundred years, to provide sheltered accommodation and grants-in-need for disadvantaged people living within the city boundaries. Income is derived from its endowment property portfolio, which is repaired, maintained and refurbished by St John’s experienced property department.  Experts and craftsmen are contracted to carry out specialist projects, particularly where listed buildings are involved.

Gateway to Chapel Court.

On parts of the original medieval site in the city centre, there are now three Almshouses buildings dating from the 1700s and a Chapel, St Michael’s Within, around a central courtyard. Two other properties, St Catherine’s Hospital and Rosenberg House are within a short walking distance.  There is also an innovative new-build in Weston, close to the RUH, which completes the Almshouses portfolio.

 Established through the generosity of its original benefactor and generations of philanthropic people living in Bath or having a connection with it, the endowment portfolio supports the aims and objectives of today’s modern forward thinking registered charity.