About the Almshouses
The Almshouses were built between 1860 - 61 on the former Cathrick’s Garth, part of the Raby Estate. The benefactor was Henry Vane, the 2nd Duke of Cleveland and the houses were to be occupied by poor persons aged over 60.
In 1861 a Board of Trustees was established. This comprised the Duke of Cleveland, the Raby Estate agent Mr W. T Scarth of Keverstone Grange, the Vicar Harry Curteis Lipscomb and Mr Henry Lipscomb. An endowment was made to the charity of Stapleton Grange Farm and Remer Farm near Darlington. Income from the farm rents was to cover the maintenance of the Almshouses and provide £5 each quarter to those living here. Any surplus was given to the Vicar to augment his income.
The Duke of Cleveland nominated persons considered suitable to occupy the houses. This responsibility then passed to the Vicar, with the remaining trustees stepping in should the Vicar fail to make a nomination. Lady Augusta Mary Poulett, the Duke’s sister-in-law provided an arm chair for each property. She also provided the village drinking water fountain that stands on South Green.
By 1904 Lord Barnard, the 9th Baron Barnard, was the only properly constituted trustee. He therefore applied to the Charity Commissioners to establish a new scheme for its administration. Since 1905 there have been three ex-officio Trustees and two local persons co-opted to the Board. The owner of Raby Castle, Raby Estate Agent and the Vicar hold the ex-officio seats. The endowed
farms were sold in 1920 with the proceeds invested to continue to provide an income to the charity.
In 1952 a piped water supply was provided to each house though some were not convinced it was better than the nearby external pump! By 2021 gas central heating and double glazing had been Installed. The programme of improvement and updating continues, whilst the historic character of the houses is respected whenever works are undertaken.
In keeping with the times, the trustees have replaced the outdated word ‘poor’ as a condition of residency with ‘deserving’. The trustees meet regularly to ensure that the Almshouses continue to meet the needs of Staindrop and play an important role within the village.
Read about the history of England's almshouses.
© 2025 Henry, Duke of Cleveland Charity | This page was last updated on 13th November 2025.