Almshouse
- Medieval Era
- 1 min
By Crusader1307
The ''Almshouse'', as described throughout Medieval Europe (starting in the 10th Century AD), were establishments created by various Monarchs, for the purpose of providing care and aid to the very poor of a Kingdom. A King or Queen did such partly to show his or her peoples ''kindness and grace'' towards the ''downtrodden''. In contrast, a Monarch could establish their ''piety'' with regards to The Church. This ''favor'', if granted – could be used with great results for a ''kind Monarch''.
The Church too created Almshouses. Most of these were administered by Monasteries and Abbeys. The Religious there gave food (mostly). As one would expect, much graft and corruption was found in cases where an Abbot or Mother Superior held back monies donated or given. By the 16th Century, many Almshouses became actual physical quarters for the very old and poor. Most were small and provided a simple bed with simple food provided. Examples of Almshouses can still be found today in some European Countries.
