Almshouse 14 Tours
Discover what it was like to live in Hackney 200 years ago on tours of our restored 18th-century almshouse dwellings.
Embark on an interactive walk-through of Almshouse 14. See for yourself how residents kept warm, slept, ate, and did their washing centuries ago.
These Almshouses, built in 1714 for residents associated with the Ironmongers' Company, originally featured fourteen houses with four rooms each. Designed for one person per room, they provided housing for around 50 pensioners.
Our Gallery Engagement Volunteers will lead the tours, which include:
- A general introduction to the almshouses, how almshouse pensioners lived and the history of Hackney.
- Explore the connection between the almshouses and Robert Geffrye.
- An interactive and multi-sensory tour of our two restored almshouse rooms and basement.
- Hands-on encounters with objects from our collections.
Tour times
Every Wednesday: 10.30am | 12pm | 2pm | 3.30pm
Every Sunday: 10.30am | 11.30am | 2pm | 3.30pm
Duration
Tours last 1 hour and start promptly. Wherever possible, we will try to admit latecomers but admission cannot always be guaranteed – please arrive on time to avoid disappointment.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building, the almshouse rooms are not wheelchair accessible. The tour also includes period lighting which may flicker.
If you have any queries, please email bookings@museumofthehome.org.uk.
Ticketing information
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes in advance of the tour, to allow our staff time to check your ticket, and to check your belongings into our lockers and use facilities (there are no facilities within Almshouse 14).
- For group bookings or to enquire about availability, please contact us at bookings@museumofthehome.org.uk