1399
The story of the charity begins with its foundation by William Dalby in 1399, by virtue of a Licence granted by King Richard II. The original intention was that the hospital should have two chaplains, and should provide accommodation for twelve poor men.
1500’s
The property was confiscated during the Abolition of Chantries actions of the 16th Century, before being rescued by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, who bought back the land and then obtained a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I.
1540
Robert Johnson was a Church of England cleric and Archdeacon of Leicester. He was the Puritan rector of North Luffenham, Rutland, for 51 years, from 1574 until his death. He used the income from these roles to establish free grammar schools in Oakham and Uppingham and he redounded and endowed the old Hospital of St John the Evangelist and St Anne in Oakham.
1597
The Royal Charter extended the purpose of the charity to helping both men and women, with a single Hospital able to accommodate up to 20 individuals.
17-1800’s
The properties fell into disrepair, so that most buildings (with the exception of the original Chapel) disappeared when the Midland Railway was constructed in the 1840’s. From this point onwards the charity used its income to pay pensions to poor people who continued to live in their own homes.
1976
The payment of pensions ceased on the advice of the Charity Commission, and at the same time the Privy Council removed the restriction on the number of beneficiaries. The governors began developing what was then known as ‘sheltered housing’.
1976
Her Majesty the Queen granted the Charity a Supplemental Charter enlarging the Governing Body and permitting the Charity to provide extra-care accommodation. This Supplemental Charter hangs on the south wall of the Chapel.
1983
Her Majesty the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the then new almshouse development for older people at St John and St Annes Housing Charity at St Anne’s Close on 16th November 1984. They met with the residents, staff, and governors of the board and visited the historic chapel on the site. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited some of the homes and heard how residents were so happy to live in such lovely homes and within a caring community. Well wishers lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the royal visitors to Oakham.
1984
A development of 28 flats, along with a common room, was built on land adjacent to the original chapel. Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the new development at St Anne’s Close on 16th November.
2011
The Hospital of St John and St Anne merged with the Archdeacon Johnson Almshouse Charity, bringing together the administration of 102 almshouse properties.
2014
On 29th July, The Prince of Wales, Patron, the Almshouse Association and the Duchess of Cornwall visited St Anne’s Close and the Chapel of St John.
