Group    From 1829 

Metropolitan Benefit Societies Asylum

Categories: Social Welfare

The MBSA was created by John Christopher Bowles to 'afford an asylum for the reception of aged and infirm members of Friendly Societies' who lived in or near London.  Patrons were Queen Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent.  At first this was provided in houses rented for the purpose but once they had the funds they built the almshouses, designed by S. H. Ridley, with the Lord Mayor laying the foundation stone of the north block on 17 August 1836 (the Duchess's birthday) providing accomodation for 28 residents.  In 1865-6 the side wings added homes for 64 couples.  The west wing is named after Mary Ann Mackenzie who helped fund it.  By WW2 the name had changed to Metropolitan Benefit Societies Almshouses.  It is now a registered housing association.

The picture is from c.1863.  All images that we have found show the building complete so we imagine the side wings were only delayed rather than not originally intended.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Metropolitan Benefit Societies Asylum

Commemorated ati

Metropolitan Benefit Societies almshouses

Seems likely the plaques were put up when the side wings were added, in 1865-6.

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Other Subjects

Joan Bartlett, O.B.E

Joan Bartlett, O.B.E

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Person, Property, Religion, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Samaritans

Samaritans

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2 memorials
James & Margaret McCurrey

James & Margaret McCurrey

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1 memorial
Lady Walston

Lady Walston

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Person, Benefactor, Politics & Administration, Social Welfare, USA

1 memorial
Westminster Union Workhouse / St James Workhouse

Westminster Union Workhouse / St James Workhouse

The parish of St James Piccadilly erected a workhouse on Poland Street in 1725 for the able-bodied poor. This was taken over by the newly-formed Westminster Union in 1868. The workhouse closed in o...

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1 memorial

Previously viewed

Andrew Mellor

Andrew Mellor

WC1, Queen Square

Purchased by the Friends of the Children of Great Ormond Street Hospital in memory of Andrew Mellor. April 2001 Sculptor - Patricia Finch

1 subject commemorated, 2 creators
James Wilson

James Wilson

Manufacturer, economist, journalist and public servant. Born Hawick, Scotland. Died Calcutta. Founder in 1843 of the Economist publication. Liberal MP, opponent of the Corn Laws. Founder of the Cha...

Person, Economist, Industry, Journalism / Publishing, India, Scotland

1 memorial
Hogarth - Harrow on the Hill

Hogarth - Harrow on the Hill

HA1, Grove Hill, Art School

Looking to connect Hogarth with Harrow we found: c.1800 Crown Street in Harrow was named Hogarth Lane; and Hogarth painted the Graham Chi...

1 subject commemorated
Royal Institute of British Architects

Royal Institute of British Architects

From the RIBA website: "RIBA Awards are given for buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. The awards are annual, and have been...

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2 memorials
Sir Oswald Stoll

Sir Oswald Stoll

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2 memorials