Chapter XLII: Section IV

_Brief account of the Almshouses of Lynn_; _and also of its Purse-clubs or Benefit Societies_.

Of St. Mary Magdalen’s Hospital, or the _Gaywood Almshouse_, which stands a little way out of the town, a pretty long and circumstantial account has been already given, in another part of the work. (see p. 530, &c.)—Exclusive of that, there are here three almshouses, which are all within the town, but of more recent origin than the former. Of these three, by much the most ancient is the _Bede-house_, or old women’s almshouse, over against the New Burying-ground. Near to this, and seemingly about the spot now occupied by _Mr. Bonnett’s school_ and dwelling, stood formerly an almshouse for _old men_; which being the _southmost_ of the two, was probably the reason why the other, according to some old writings, went by the name of the _North-house_. These almshouses appear to have been founded in the 14th century, by some of the original members of one of our ancient Gilds, that of _St. Giles_ and _St. Julian_. It is not quite clear that they owed their origin to that gild itself, but rather to some of its most charitable and opulent members; such as _Edm. Bellyter_, (_or Bellyete_,) merchant; _Tho. Constantyn_, _Esq_; and _Margaret_, his daughter; and _Wm. Inot_, merchant. The gild was constituted in 1384, but the date of the erection of these almshouses, is involved in considerable obscurity, so that it seems uncertain whether it occurred previously or subsequently to that year.

But whenever they were erected, and whether by the persons above mentioned, exclusively, or by the gild at large, it is pretty evident that they became in no long time the property of that gild; and there is reason to believe that they continued so till the dissolution of the Monasteries, when all the gilds shared the same fate. At that time the property of this gild, as well as that of others still more opulent, fell probably into the hands of the corporation. For some reason, the _men’s_ almshouse was dissolved, but that of the _women_, or _Bedehouse_, as it was then, and is still called, was continued, under the patronage of that body. It does not clearly appear how many persons were originally maintained in these _two_ houses. But we learn that the _men’s_ house had in it _seven_ chambers, and the _women’s six_. Supposing therefore that but _one_ person occupied each chamber, the number between both houses would be _thirteen_; but if we suppose that _two_ were placed in each chamber, (as might be the case in those times; and more than two cannot be supposed;) then the whole number would be _twenty-six_. The question, however, is now immaterial, and requires no further attention. {1129}

When the Bedehouse came into the hands of the corporation, it seems they divided each of the chambers into two, so as to make _twelve_, instead of _six_, as we find is still the case. This probably accounts for one half of them being without a fireplace, which is not likely to have been the case originally: and it has certainly been very inconvenient ever since to those who have occupied those chambers. It is therefore to be hoped, that when Mr. _Cook’s_ legacy is obtained, this inconvenience will be soon remedied. The number of occupants now, as well as for a long time past, is _twelve_: _eleven women_, and the _reader_; who is a sort of _chaplain_, reading prayers and guiding the devotion of the sisterhood, mornings and evenings.

Till the last summer, (1811,) this house had been for some years in a very low state, and might be denominated the mansion of starvation, rather than the habitation of mercy and charity, or house of bread. The weekly allowance to each poor woman was only _thirty pence_ and _three farthings_!—a sad proof of the very low ebb to which the generosity and humanity of the patrons of the place had been reduced! At length however they awoke to a sense of the unseemliness of this mock charity, and very commendably added _another thirty pence_ to the weekly allowance of each inmate, or pensioner. This addition has materially benefitted them, and ameliorated their condition, and the present writer wishes he had it in his power to name the individual from whom it originated, who certainly has deserved well, not only of the poor pensioners themselves, but also of the community at large.

Soon after this fortunate augmentation of the allowance or income of those poor pensioners, intelligence arrived of a still further provision being made for them, by a gentleman lately deceased, of the name of _Cook_, {1130a} who lived in London, and left them by his will 2000_l._ in the 3 per cents; the interest whereof to be applied in augmentation of their weekly income. This charitable bequest, which is likely soon to be transferred into the hands of the corporation, as the trustees or guardians of these poor pensioners, will add it is to be hoped, another _half crown_ to their weekly allowance; which will render their situation very comfortable, compared with what it has been of late years. To have each chamber destitute of a fireplace furnished with that needful appendage, {1130b} would be to most of them a still further and very desirable accommodation.

By an old MS. volume which has very lately fallen into the hands of this writer, he learns that one John _Loneyson_, or _Leneyston_, {1131a} by will bearing date in 1594, endowed this almshouse, and gave it an annuity of 10_l._ from 75, (or 76) acres of pasture, called _out marshes_, or _salt marshes_, lying and being in South Lyn, anciently purchased of _Charles Cornwallis_ and _George Nicholls_ Esqrs. and demised to _Elsdin_ by the corporation in the 2nd. year of James I. {1131b} How far this corroborates or contradicts the _Tablet_ in the church, which made such stir among our townsmen last year, may deserve some consideration from the member of the Hall.

Beside the above endowment in land there was a sum of money amounting 600_l._ left by divers persons to this almshouse, the interest whereof to be applied to the support or maintenance of the pensioners: and as money bore then a higher interest than at present, the annual product of this provision amounted to no trifling sum. This money was placed in the hands of the corporation; 400_l._ of it laid out at interest, and 200_l._ employed in buying or trafficking in _rye_; whence it was sometimes called _rye money_. In short the 600_l._ and the 10_l._ a year before mentioned seem to have constituted formerly the chief of the funds of this almshouse: only in extraordinary cases, such as sickness, the pensioners were relieved by voluntary contributions. {1132a} It should be here further noted that it appears from the said MS. that in consideration of the above funds, the corporation formerly paid yearly in money to this almshouse 44_l._ and moreover 8_l._ 4_s._ by 9 chaldron of _coals_ and 200 _sedge_—making in all 52_l._ 4_s._ which, including the afore-mentioned extraordinary charges, is said to _surmount the interest of the whole money given_; which might well be supposed to have been the case. {1132b}

2. _Finkel-Row Almshouse_, or _Valenger’s Hospital_, in South Lynn. This house was founded in 1605. by _Thomas Valenger_, gent. then Town-Clerk of Lynn, for _four poor men_ to dwell in gratis. We cannot learn that he endowed it with any land or money, though it is said that some land does now belong to it, an advance in the rent of which, two years ago, occasioned an addition of 3_d._ a week to be made to the allowance of each pensioner. Last year there was a more considerable addition, of no less than _one shilling_ a week, made to that allowance; making it in the whole 4_s._ a week, which is the amount of the present weekly allowance of each of them: and this sum is paid them weekly by the overseers of the parish. As _Mr. Cook_, mentioned under the preceding article, has left 700_l._ in the 3 per cents to this charity, each pensioner, it is supposed, may shortly expect a further addition of 2_s._ a week or more to their present allowance. Like the Gaywood hospital, this house was originally designed for _men_; but it has been now for a good many years converted to the use of the other sex, and has been ever since occupied by _four_ poor _women_, who have in it now very comfortable dwellings, the house having been rebuilt in 1806.

3. _Paradise Hospital_, or _Broad Street Almshouse_. This house appears to have been founded in 1676, by one _John Heathcote_, _otherwise Helcote_, of whom some mention has been already made, at page 827. He dying while the work was unfinished, the completion of it was undertaken and effected the year following by the famous _Henry Framingham_. Of him also some mention is made in the page last referred to, as well as in page 861. It is probable that the former died intestate, without having made any provision for the endowment of the almshouse, and that his heirs were not disposed to complete the plan which he had formed. However that was, Framingham appears to have then stept forward and purchased the premises, for the laudable purpose of completing the benevolent institution which the other had projected. This house is pleasantly situated, in the field called Paradise, on the east side of Broad Street, with which it communicates, and from which is its only entrance. It consists of a chapel and twelve apartments or dwellings, all opening into a quadrangular court, to which there is an entrance by a gateway from the street. Those dwellings are occupied by 12 poor men, one of whom officiates as chaplain, and is called _The Reader_; in consideration of which he has an additional pension or allowance. Attached to those 12 apartments are as many little gardens, which lie on each side of the entrance from the street. Framingham, it seems, endowed only 11 of these dwellings: the other endowed a long while after, by one of our alderman, whose was _John Goodwyn_. The present weekly allowance of each of these 12 pensioners is 3_s._ 6_d._ with the addition of 15_d._ to the chaplain, which makes his weekly allowance 4_s._ 9_d._ The 11 lay brethren have each a chaldren of coals yearly, and the chaplain a chaldron and half. They have beside, the interest of 250_l._ which they receive half yearly. This it is presumed is a pretty correct account of the present state of these pensioners; but it must not here pass unnoticed, that Mr. _Cook_, the charitable benefactor of the other almshouses, and whose memory ought to be very dear to all our pensioners, has left to this house the sum of 2000_l._ 3 per cent stock, for the augmentation of the weekly allowance of the 12 poor occupants: when this bequest therefore is obtained, which is now very soon expected, it can not fail of considerably bettering their condition. But what an indelible disgrace is the benefaction of Mr. Cook to the memories of all those overgrown wealthy Lynn men, who have departed this life without the least apparent spark of benevolence, or one charitable thought towards their indigent neighbours.

Besides its _four_ Almshouses, (including that of Gaywood,) Lynn is also distinguished for divers other charitable institutions, and particularly for a great number of those called _benefit societies_, or _purse clubs_, which amount to _upwards of twenty_. Most of them consist of _men_, but some few are made up of the other sex; {1135} which in most places we believe is rather an unusual case, as it has been generally supposed that such societies would not succeed. Here, however, they are said to have succeeded, and to have proved very beneficial. Their plans and constitutions seem well formed, and their rules and orders have been circulated in print. These societies, as might be supposed, hold their meetings in private houses, those, probably, of some of their most opulent and active patronesses. Of the societies of this description which consist wholly of _men_, some are of a superior order, and designed particularly for the benefit of females or _widows_. One of those, if we are not mistaken, is called, “The Provident Society for the benefit of widows;” and another, “The Benevolent Viduarian Society.” The latter was established Nov. 5.1807. and the former several years earlier. Both of them, if we are rightly informed, secure to each widow an annuity of twenty pounds, which to most cannot fail of being a very desirable object.

The meetings of these two societies, and of all the rest that belong to the _men_, are kept at different public houses in various parts of the town: {1136} and it is probable that they are the most suitable places, upon the whole, that could be easily obtained for that purpose. It may be here further observed, that we scarce ever hear of any thing in the conduct of those who attend at these meetings, that is palpably improper, unbecoming, or exceptionable. So that the rules and orders of these fraternities appear to have taught the members in general to pay a due respect to a propriety or decency of behaviour, so as to fit them to be better members of the community. This consideration not a little enhances the use and importance of these friendly and fraternal institutions, as manifestly conducing to the cultivation of good manners, civilization, and moral improvement.

But in an account of our Benefit-Societies, and provident, benevolent, or charitable institutions, the two following charities ought not to be forgotten—1. The _Lying-in Charity_. This was set on foot in 1791, by the late Mrs. Elizabeth Gibbons, in conjunction with Mrs. Keed, Mrs. S. Newham, &c. for _lending Child-bed Linen __to poor women_: and it is said to have been the means of affording great relief to those who were the objects of it. It has been assisted and supported by subscriptions from several Ladies, amounting for the last year to 37_l._ 6_s._—As it is known to have proved very beneficial, it is to be hoped that it will be long continued.—2. The _Stranger’s friend Society_. {1138} This has been set on foot here by the _Methodists_, but has been supported by many others of the inhabitants, and rendered very useful to the poor.—An account of the state and proceedings of this society is published annually: about which time a sermon is also preached at the Methodist Chapel, for the benefit of the institution. Those who are appointed by the society for the office of _visiting_ the distressed poor, are directed to assist them by prayer and religious instruction, as well as by their alms.

☞ Before he entirely closes this section, the author feels it incumbent upon him to confess, that since the last sheet was printed off, he has, upon further consideration, become less confident of the annuity mentioned at p. 1131 being originally left to the _Bedehouse_.