History

French cleric Bishop Reginald Fitzjocelyn created St John’s Hospital to alleviate poverty and chronic living conditions in Bath.

St Catherine’s Hospital was built as an almshouse. Residents were known as inmates, reflecting the strict way of life.

Henry VIII abolished Catholicism and founded the Church of England. St John’s avoided confiscation of land and wealth by appointing a non-clerical Master.

The Clock Tower in Chapel Court was built. This is one of Bath’s earliest-recorded public clocks and is still in our courtyard today.

John Wood, the celebrated Bath architect, completed his first commission which was for St John’s. John Wood House was built when he was just 23.

Horace Walpole, son of Prime Minister Sir Robert, stayed at Chapel Court. This shows that almshouses had all kinds of uses, including being guest rooms, which funded the inmates’ housing on the lower levels.

St Catherine’s was demolished and rebuilt, as an almshouse.

It now provides luxury holiday apartments run by our trading company.

The 1851 census shows that 228 people lived in the Chapel Court almshouses and the average age was just 31. Residents ranged from paupers to a solicitor’s clerk widow and a birdcage maker.

1 Queen Square was donated to St John’s Hospital. The square was also designed by John Wood and built in 1730.

The Crisis Programme was launched – a fund to support people in crisis living in Bath. Since then, we have supported tens of thousands of local people facing financial difficulties and the programme continues today.

On 4 July, HRH Prince Charles, (now HM The King) opened the newly built 54 apartment almshouse complex at Combe Park.

St John’s commenced an eight-year modernisation project of its city centre almshouses, ensuring they are fit for purpose and future-proofed.

In this year, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (now HM The Queen) became our Patron.

Community Outreach Service launched to help older adults in Bath avoid isolation and loneliness.

St John’s Hospital changed its name to St John’s Foundation to help clarify its charitable purpose.

The Best Start in Life initiative was launched. The initiative is specifically focused on closing the primary age educational attainment gap; providing all children the opportunity to grow into healthy, happy, and educated members of society.

Renovations on 1 Queen Square were completed and it was returned to its former glory. Now an integral part of our trading company, it operates as a luxury workspace – the House of St John’s – and actively supports our work in the community.

St John’s Foundation marks its 850^th anniversary with a special event at Bath Abbey and a year of celebration.