These almshouses were put up in 1885 at cost £6,197 to build. The money came from James Barton who also put up £15,833 6s and 8d to trustees for its continued upkeep ( a seriously large sum of money in those days!) The Bequest Board is on the right-hand side of the entrance to the church with details of the endowment and bequests to the almshouses. They were officially opened by the Right Honourable Earl Cowper, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, with a special hymn service on Wednesday 24 June 1885.
James Barton erected the Homes in memory of his sisters, Mary and Louise Barton. James Barton died suddenly on 20th November 1886, aged 71 years, following a short illness. He was interred in Highgate Cemetery, London on November 27th. At the time of his death he was living at Oaskley House, 196 Camden Road, Oxford Street, London.
The Homes were to house 'twenty people of good reputation and character, being inhabitants of Turvey and Bedford, both in the County of Bedfordshire'. This was to be 10 married & 10 single Pensioners.
The building was in the Tudor style with red brick and stone dressings. Each resident
had two rooms, a bedroom and a little living room. They shared the use of a washhouse
with kitchen and scullery. Each single resident received 6 shillings per week and married
couples received 8 shillings each. Medical attendance was provided at a cost of 1/6 per
quarter for single pensioners and 2/6 for married pensioners.
The Superintendent utilized the central portion of the building and a room at the rear was
used for meetings of the board.
The roof was oak-timbered and was paneled with pitch pine. Each side had three three-light windows, the upper parts of which were of coloured glass.
There was a magnificent organ chamber, the organ having two full compass manuals and independent pedals. It had an oak case with 8 feet long decorated diapason pipes in front. Above the organ was a large circular stained glass window and there were ante chambers either side. The organ was built by Messrs. Gray and Davison of London and was a gift of Sir Frederick Howard. It cost £40 for installation and tuning.
The large hall was heated by tiered hot water pipes, two either side and at the entrance and was lit by gas. On the first floor there was spacious Board Room with open fireplaces and tiled hearths at each end. This was also lit by gas.
Water was drawn from a large garden well until 1913 when Captain Higgins of Turvey House
had continuous water installed. The large lawn was used for garden parties and at one time
had a croquet pitch for the residents.
Even by 1951 the residents wore black dresses and shawls and there was a distinct
musty smell to the buildings.
The great building was demolished in 1966 and replaced by the existing small bungalows, property of Barton Trust, pictured on the right.
Pensioners in Turvey Almshouses - 1935
Year is the year of Election into the homes.
The following were natives of Turvey:
Miss Allen 1919
Mrs George King1920
Miss Freeman 1923
Mr H. Sergeant 1925
Mr F. Street1929
Mr & Mrs Osborn1931
Mrs Ada Sergeant 1932
Mr & Mrs Weed 1933
Mr W.A. Clifton 1934
Miss Elizabeth Birch 1935
The following were from Bedford:
Mrs Simons 1921
Mrs Crawley 1924
Miss C. Abrahams 1928
Mr J Rubython 1928
Miss Fuller 1931
Mr D. & Mrs Murdoch 1932
Miss E.Y. Ayres 1932
Mr & Mrs F. Higgins 1934
Miss Baker 1935
Mr & Mrs White 1935
On Monday 24th June 1935 the Barton Charity celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the trust. A souvenir handbook was produced and invites were sent to all the residents and 'important' locals for the special service that was held.
Rev Samuel Thomas (Minister of Congrapational Chapel)
John Rogers (an auctioneer)
John Gasking (a lace manufacturer)
Michael Hinde (A plumber etc)
Rev W. Mills Robinson
Dr WJ Mackie (physician & surgeon)
who was later disqualified because of his
non-residence in the village
Caretakers of the Institution
(in order, though exact dates not known)
Mr & Mrs Huckle (from opening)
Mr & Mrs Keech of Turvey
Mr & Mrs H Sargeant of Turvey
Mr & Mrs S Lay of Lavendon (until Feb 1935)
Mr & Mrs L Church (until some time after 1935)
Mr & Mrs Lincoln (1950's?)
Hon.Secretarys to the Trustees until 1935
Mr JC Conquest - until he died in 1909
Alfred Clare - until he died in 1912
James Harold Howard - until he died in 1929
Mr WS Brocklehurst - until after 1935
More History of the Barton Charity Homes.
A continuous water supply was laid on in 1913 from the Water Supply owned by Capt Higgins of Turvey. The original well was then abandoned. A fire hydrant and hose were also installed.
In 1916 the original pensions were increased. Single persons now received 8 shillings a week and married couples 12 shillings. Residents also received Pensions from the Government of 10 shillings a week each.
In July 1922 electric lights were installed although the building was not linked to the Public Electric Supply (so the residents were not charged) until 1935. Before this a Electrical Engine and Plant was installed at the Homes.
In October 1922 the large Board Room began to be used by the pensioners as a Recreation & Reading room. A gentleman called Edmund Walker & others donated books & magazines. Unfortunately the pensioners did not seem to like the facility so it was subsequently discontinued.
In 1923 the Trustees had to start paying the Rector of Turvey and the Nonconformist Minister so that they would continue to lead the services given for residents on Sundays.
1928 saw the installation of a septic tank and new toilets etc for the residents.
