William Portman Almshouses | |
Coordinates: | 50.9593°N -3.0493°W |
Location: | Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England |
Built: | 1643 |
Designation1: | Grade II* listed building |
Designation1 Offname: | Almshouses |
Designation1 Date: | 25 February 1955 |
Designation1 Number: | 1060273 |
The William Portman Almshouses in Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England was built in 1643. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]
The almshouses were established by Sir William Portman in 1643 to provide housing for six poor people.[2] In April 1640, Portman was elected Member of Parliament for Taunton for the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for Taunton in November 1640 for the Long Parliament where he sat until February 1644 when he was disabled for supporting the Royalists[3] He gave £40 per year from his Orchard Portman estate for the six "poor persons" dwelling in the almshouse.[4]
The historical records of the almshouses are held by the South West Heritage Trust.[5]
The building was restored in the 1970s when some of the windows were replaced and a new staircase added.[6] It is still run as a charity providing housing.[7]
The building is of Blue Lias with hamstone dressings and a slate roof.[1]