Abbott's Ladies' Home, Skircoat Green

Abbott's Ladies' Home on Skircoat Green Road, Halifax. It comprises 12 almshouses – 2 detached and 10 semi-detached – and a porter's lodge built by W. S. Barber with £60,000 left in the will of John Abbott. The total cost of the land and construction was £17,880.

It is said that the land was formerly a cricket ground.

The homes opened in January 1877.

Accommodation was provided for [a number of] ladies who must be either

• A spinster or widow
• Not less than 50 years of age
• A lady by birth and education

or

• Possess, in her own right, not less than £20 per year

Preference was given to those who were born in the parish of Halifax or who have resided there for 5 years.

Each lady received either

• A house free of rent and rates, and an amount of money not exceeding £52 per year. The lady was allowed to keep a servant

or

• An income varying from £20 per year, according to her means

All the property is listed.

It is said that the Charity was known as The John Abbott's Trustees Ladies' Home because Abbott did not specify that the bequest was to be used for homes for single women, and the Trustees applied that criterion

See Horace Edward Foster, Elizabeth Ann Gregory, Emma Gregory, Edward Wallace Norris and John Whitley

Page Ref: MMA350

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