New College, Oxford recently hosted a celebratory dinner in honour of its 500-year association with the Lambourn Almshouses, one of England’s enduring examples of charitable housing.
The Warden and Trustee of the Almshouses, Miles Young, welcomed a group of benefactors and guests to a special evening within the college’s historic walls. The event highlighted the remarkable longevity of the relationship between the college and the almshouses, which began with a royal charter in the early 16th century.
Guests were treated to a fascinating tour of the college archives by Michael Stansfield, College Archivist, who guided attendees through a selection of rare and evocative documents. Among the highlights was the original founding deed of the Lambourn Almshouses – a beautifully preserved manuscript that formally set out the college’s role.
The evening proved both reflective and forward-looking, a celebration not only of the past, but also of the future. With plans under way to expand and adapt the almshouses for the next generation, the occasion served as a poignant reminder of the power of partnership, philanthropy and continuity.
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