A short walk from where I live in North Finchley are these cottages, alms houses founded in 1612 by a London merchant called Lawrence Campe.

Alms houses were established from the 10th century in Britain, to provide a place of residence for poor, old and distressed folk. The first recorded Alms house was founded in York by King Athelstan, and the oldest still in existence is the Hospital of St. Cross in Winchester, dating to circa 990 AD.

In what capacity is the building used today? It looks so charming. focussed · 2008-06-18: 09:21

really a perfect shot!!! :):):) ronin53 · 2008-06-18: 09:51

On our first trip to England many years ago my husband was thrilled to be given bread (& wine I believe) at an old Alms house. Beautiful shot. DancingDolphin · 2008-06-18: 11:38

i really like your landscape/building shots, they really catch the atmosphere of the place... i feel i am there... sandmoon · 2008-06-18: 12:31

Beautiful old building with an interesting history... ????? · 2008-06-18: 18:14

So much history! Nice shot :-) jet28 · 2008-06-19: 03:39

Hmmm. Nice one, so I gather the plan to create an eco-village (named by someone also as an eco-slumm) for the same folk in 21st century is just a logical expansion... cavist · 2008-06-30: 17:33