Stevenage Consolidated Charities is an Almshouse Charity which owns
The Hellard Almshouses and
Stevenage Bath House in Church Lane, Old Stevenage.
Stephen Hellard became Rector of Stevenage in 1472. In 1483 he was granted land in Dead Lane, (later called Back Lane, now Church Lane), by Alice Sawell of Stevenage. When Stephen died in 1506, his will instructed that the dwelling on this land should be used as almshouses and inhabited rent free by three poor people, who should pray for his soul daily. The almshouses would be called 'All Christian Soul House'.
The building later became known as
'The Hellard Almshouses' and was one of Stevenage's first charitable foundations. The original building was destroyed on 12th July 1807 by a fire which had spread from a wheelwright's shop at the corner of Walkern Road. The almshouses were rebuilt shortly afterwards, providing 4 dwellings, and continue to fulfil their original function to this day. In 2008 the almshouses were renovated to meet current housing standards. The webpages 'The Hellard Almshouses Part1 and Part 2' provide more details about their long history.
Attached to the Hellard Almshouses is
Stevenage Bath House which was a public bath house operated by Stevenage Urban District Council from 1913 until around 1960. Prior to its use as a bath house the building was used to house Stevenage's horse drawn fire engine.
The Hellard Almshouses, in 2008, underwent a major programme of repair, refurbishment and improvement which brought them up to Decent Homes Standard and provides 4 self contained units of accommodation which were available for occupation in January 2009. New staircases have been installed to allow safe and easy access to and from the first floor. New bathrooms, wiring, heating, doors, windows and kitchens are being provided and the ground floor has been improved to provide an open plan lounge/kitchen diner.
In 2008, Stevenage Bath House has also undergone a programme of repairs to brickwork, woodwork, ceilings and roof and professional conservation of the interior of the Bath House. The pavement outside the Bath House and double doors have been altered to prevent further water ingress to the building from the street. Oral histories of previous users of the Bath House have been collected and are available within the building to listen to, with displays describing the Bath House history including its time as the Stevenage Fire Station. Educational materials have also been developed for use with school groups. Stevenage Bath House is available for groups to access via
Stevenage Museum and
public open days (see Open Days button on left of screen) are provided by volunteers from the
Stevenage Society for Local History.
Stevenage Bath House repair, conservation, development of oral histories, displays and educational material, including this website, was made possible by grants from The
Heritage Lottery Fund, The Follett Trust, Stevenage Community Trust and
Stevenage Consolidated Charities.
The Hellard Almshouses repair and improvement project was made possible by grants from
Stevenage Borough Council, The Garfield Weston Foundation and
Stevenage Consolidated Charities.
This website is designed to provide the reader with current details about access to Stevenage Bath House as well as historic information about the Almshouses and Bath House.