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.

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

Wyndham-Ashley Mission

Wyndham-Ashley Mission

At 112 Regency Street, SW1, between Douglas Street and Rampayne Street. In 1921 the secretary was R. C. Hart-Dyke. (From Street Directory). Amalgamated with the One Tun Mission in 1930. From Westm...

Group, Children, Social Welfare

1 memorial
James  Fegan

James Fegan

Philanthropist. Born James William Condell Fegan in Southampton. He moved to London in 1865 and eventually joined a firm of colonial brokers. He soon became aware of the plight of many young boys l...

Person, Children, Philanthropy, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Putney Pest House Charity

Putney Pest House Charity

Set up in 1862 and still awarding small grants.

Group, Philanthropy, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Diss Street, Vaughan Estate - foundation

Diss Street, Vaughan Estate - foundation

We are delighted that the Terraces Tenements and Tower Blocks project researched the Housing Committee minutes and found this photograph.  The Housing Committee are probably the people at the back ...

Event, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Mark Ashton

Mark Ashton

Irish political, community and gay rights activist. Born Oldham but grew up in Northern Ireland. With his friend Mike Jackson he formed and raised funds for the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners...

Person, Community / Clubs, Gender Issues, Politics & Administration, Social Welfare, Ireland

1 memorial