In 1829, a benevolent gift shaped the lives of twelve women in Mitcham. Miss Mary Tate, the last of her family, bequeathed her former mansion’s site and funds to construct Mary Tate’s Almshouses. Mary Tate’s Almshouses offered a haven for poor widows and spinsters of the parish. Imagine these women, their capes billowing in the wind as they walked to church. Their distinct attire marked them as residents of the newly built almshouses on Cricket Green. Mary Tate’s Almshouses, designed by John Butcher, showcased a Tudor architectural style, a nod to a bygone era. Originally, a wall enclosed the front of Mary Tate’s Almshouses, casting a shadow over the residences. Later, iron railings replaced the wall, offering a glimpse into the lives within, until their removal during World War II. The almshouses provided more than just shelter. They offered a community, a place of belonging, and a sense of security in a time of need. Miss Tate’s generosity ensured these women had a home, free from rent and taxes, a sanctuary in their later years.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to