THE ALMSHOUSES

The almshouses at Llangeview were founded on the instructions of Mr. Roger Edwards, a generous local benefactor who died on 28th March 1624, to give homes to 'necessitous persons' of three local parishes.

The original building was replaced in 1826, but by 1969, the last occupant had died and the handsome pink sandstone dwelling began to decline. However, in the past ten years the almshouses have undergone a transformation, from a romantic Victorian ruin, to a thriving rural community.

With its high wall flanking the road, its tiny pointed arch windows and L-shaped veranda, the building has great charm, but it took much determination to bring it back to full use. The trustees were faced with the conversion of 12 cell-like dwellings to five two-bedroomed cottages which it was hoped would provide homes for local people who could not find affordable accommodation in the area. A grant from the former Monmouth Borough Council, together with additional loans and gifts, enabled the trustees to put the renovation plans into effect and the first occupants made their new home (in what had been the chapel) in 1996.

Here are some pictures of the almshouses in their ruined state, and after renovation.

In the past two years a derelict Victorian wash house on the site has been converted into a new one-bedroomed cottage. The trustees have been able to do this with the help of grants from a number of organisations, together with a large loan from the Almshouse Association, and the support of local people. The work was completed in early 2007 and the first occupant moved in soon afterwards.

Under the terms of the Roger Edwards Charity, the almshouse dwellers are 'occupants by licence', not tenants and pay a 'maintenance contribution', not rent. Anyone may apply for vacant accommodation, but preference is given on the basis of both need and local connection, in the spirit of Roger Edwards' original wishes.

The charity is run by a board of 12 trustees and its registration number is 240835.

To find the almshouses (which are at OS Grid Reference ST 411 992):

From Usk:

Take to road to Llanllowell and Llantrisant. Go under the bridge carrying the A449 and take the next left. Follow the road up through Llewellyn's Dingle for approx. 1½ miles and the almshouses are on the right just before the road turns sharp right, with a lane going sharp left.

From Llangwm:

Take to road opposite The Bridge restaurant to Coed Cwnwr. Continue for approx. 1½ miles until the road turns sharp left, with a lane going straight ahead. The almshouses are on the left just after the left bend.

The trustees would welcome any information about the operation of the charity in earlier times in order to assist in writing a history of its works.