History of Shrewsbury Hospital

In 1616 Gilbert Talbot the 7th Earl of Shrewsbury died, leaving in his will a provision for the building of a hospital ‘for the perpetual maintenance of twentie poore persons’. (The word hospital didn't have the same meaning as it does now - 'hostel' would be more accurate.) The Earl had commissioned a survey to determine the extent of the many poor people living in the little township of Sheffield. At this time Sheffield consisted of 2207 people, of whom 725 were described as ‘begging poor’, 100 ‘self sufficient’ 160 people who ‘could manage for no longer than 2 weeks without support’ and the remaining 1222 were ‘children and servants on small wages dependent on their employers’.

Unfortunately, despite the Earl's generosity there was not enough money to go ahead with the request. Further arguments over the will and then the civil war meant it was not built until 1673, by the then Lord of the Manor, the Duke of Norfolk.

The hospital was originally built beside Sheaf Bridge in the town centre (near to the current Park Square roundabout). This location was problematic as it was subject to flooding with the result that in 1811 some residents were actually drowned.

In 1823 the hospital was rebuilt, in the fashionable gothic style of the time, in its present location on Norfolk Road. When first built they were considered to be amongst the finest almshouses in the country. There were dwellings for up to 20 people with each of the men receiving 10 shillings a week and the women 8. In addition the residents received a periodical allowance of coal and clothing. From the outset it retained a monastic calm, which would have been in stark contrast to the squalor of the housing a little way down the hill.

During the 1990's the buildings received a multi-million pound makeover, including replacing the weathered sandstone frontage facing Norfolk Road. The almshouses continue to provide cheap accommodation for local retired people to the present day. Please note the Shrewsbury Hospital is private property; there is no public right of way through the site.

The Shrewsbury Hospital is one of many fascinating points of interest along the Norfolk Heritage Trail.

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