United St Saviour’s Charity is a 450 year old Southwark charity, which provides sheltered retirement accommodation to older people in need and gives grants to local charities. The opening of our brand-new purpose built block of 54 sheltered retirement homes in 2006 proves that the charity continues to be as relevant today as when it was founded in 1541.
United St Saviour’s Charity – also known as the Corporation of Wardens the Parish of St Saviour’s – is the direct successor of the Guild of the Fraternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded in the reign of Henry VI. In 1541 it was incorporated under Henry VIII to manage parish affairs, and the many charities created by benefactors, for the people of north Southwark.
Among our benefactors was Thomas Cure, saddler to Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth 1. In 1588 Thomas Cure bequeathed properties in Park Street, which became St Saviour’s College or Hospital for the Poor. The College remained in Park Street for almost 300 years until the building of the Charing Cross Railway station resulted in the almshouses being relocated to Hamilton Road, West Norwood.
Today the Charity has two main functions: the management of retired sheltered housing and the provision of grants to organisations. In each case beneficiaries are within a specific geographical area.
About us