QUAKERS IN NORTH CUMBRIA

Allonby Almshouses

Cumberland General Meeting

Allonby Almshouses

The Allonby Almshouses are situated in the small village of Allonby on the Cumbrian coast. There are 10 properties: two 2-bedroom houses, four 1-bedroom cottages, and four 1-bedroom flats. Priority is given to members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and residents are expected to be in sympathy with the aims of the Society. Rents are collected monthly by one of the Trustees.

Allonby Almshouses is a registered charity, number 245777, run under the auspices of the Religious Society of Friend (Quakers) by a board of Trustees appointed by Cumberland General Meeting.

History of the almshouses

North Lodge was built about 1840 by a Quaker, Thomas Richardson, who was a London Banker and businessman. Originating from Darlington, he was involved in the development of the coal, iron and railway industries in the north of England. His wife, Martha Beeby, whom he met in London came from Allonby. Thomas and Martha retired to live in the north in 1830. They lived in Great Ayton, and Richardson assisted in founding the Quaker schools at both Great Ayton and Wigton. It is thought he may have built the centre house of North Lodge as a holiday home, and the adjacent buildings as Almshouses. Martha died in 1841 and Thomas in 1854. Under his will he left North Lodge to Trustees who were all members of the Pease family in Darlington. They managed the Almshouses through a local agent until the Charity Commission scheme of 1965 transferred responsibility to more local members of the Society of Friends. Cumberland General Meeting now appoints seven Trustees to run the Charity.