Inventory Site Record

Houblon's Almshouses were founded in 1757 by Rebecca and Susanna Houblon, who vested the site for the almshouses and c.1 hectare of land at the rear, together with property in Harrow and Essex to endow the Almshouses. The walled almshouses were built in 1758, and are among the oldest to survive in Richmond. They comprise a range of three 2-storey blocks around 3 sides of a central garden. The pedimented entrance bay carries the inscription: 'These almshouses were erected and endowed by Mrs Rebecca and Mrs Susannah Houblon 1758'.

Site location:

Worple Way

Postcode:

TW10

What 3 Words:

rash.risen.deck

Type of site:

Private Garden

Borough:

Richmond

Open to public?

Occasionally

Opening times:

Has opened for OGSW. Otherwise private, for residents only
Took part in Open Garden Squares Weekend in 2009.

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Events:

Public transport:

Rail/London Overground/Tube (District): Richmond then bus. Bus: 33, 337, 371, 493

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/06/2009

Last minor changes:

14/07/2022

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.therichmondcharities.co.uk

Rebecca and Susanna Houblon lived in a mansion on Richmond Hill, now Old Vicarage School, and were the unmarried daughters of Sir John Houblon, former Governor of the Bank of England. The family was probably descended from Huguenot refugees and the original stipulation was that residents of the almshouses should be Protestants. The rules governing the conduct of residents were extensive and fines were imposed for offences such as blasphemy, non-attendance at church, abusive or uncharitable language or blows, or 'tippling or drinking in any tavern, ale house or gin shop, or in any place where spirituous liquors are sold'.

Sources consulted:

Richmond Charities' Almshouses notes, provided for Open Garden Squares Weekend, 2009

Grid ref:

TQ183749 (518446,174976)

Size in hectares:

Site ownership:

The Richmond Charities' Almshouses

Site management:

contractor: Coombe Gardeners

Date(s):

1757

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

LBII*: Houblon's Almshouses

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

Yes

Conservation Area name:

St Matthias and Sheen Road

Tree Preservation Order:

No

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

None

Houblon's Almshouses - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 29/05/09 09:32

Click a photo to enlarge.