On Friday 10th October 2025, United St Saviour’s Charity had the immense honour of welcoming His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to to Appleby Blue, a landmark moment in our long history of supporting older people in Southwark.
His Royal Highness was warmly welcomed by Colonel Simon Duckworth, His Majesty’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Southwark, before being introduced to key figures from the almshouse and housing sector, including Nick Phillips, Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association, and our own Chief Executive, Martyn Craddock.
After formal introductions and photographs, The Duke was guided on a tour of the site, accompanied by some of the dedicated team behind Appleby Blue, including Trustee Kathryn Dowlath, Architect Stephen Witherford, Head of Housing Jude Leighton, and Resident Support Manager Amy Brown.
The tour included visits to the Garden Room, the central Courtyard, and the tranquil roof gardens, showcasing the building’s thoughtful, inclusive design. His Royal Highness also stepped inside one of the fully accessible flats, each one created to support residents’ independence and wellbeing.
In the Lounge, His Royal Highness joined residents for tea and cake, taking time to speak with individuals and hear about their experiences of living at Appleby Blue. His warmth and interest in their stories were evident, and the conversations reflected the strong sense of community that defines life in our almshouses.
Martyn Craddock, Chief Executive of United St Saviour’s Charity, said:
“It was a real honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Appleby Blue. The visit highlights the importance of creating well-designed homes where older people can live independently and joyfully as part of a strong community in the heart of the city.”
Nick Phillips, Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association, added:
“Almshouses play a unique and vital role in communities across the UK. Today’s visit is a wonderful recognition of the work being done here in Bermondsey, providing warm and friendly communities in exemplar buildings.”
The visit concluded at 11:30 a.m., leaving our residents and staff feeling proud. We are grateful for the recognition, and for the opportunity to celebrate a new chapter for almshouse living in Southwark.
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