| William Portman Almshouses | |
|---|---|
  Location of William Portman Almshouses in Somerset | |
| Location | Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England |
| Coordinates | 50°57′33″N3°02′57″W / 50.9593°N 3.0493°W |
| Built | 1643 |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
| Official name | Almshouses |
| Designated | 25 February 1955 [1] |
| Reference no. | 1060273 |
The William Portman Almshouses in Staple Fitzpaine, Somerset, England was built in 1643. It is a Grade II* listed building. [1]
The almshouses were established by Sir William Portman in 1643 to provide housing for six poor people. [2] In April 1640, Portman was elected Member of Parliament for Taunton for the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for Taunton in November 1640 for the Long Parliament where he sat until February 1644 when he was disabled for supporting the Royalists [3] He gave £40 per year from his Orchard Portman estate for the six "poor persons" dwelling in the almshouse. [4]
The historical records of the almshouses are held by the South West Heritage Trust. [5]
The building was restored in the 1970s when some of the windows were replaced and a new staircase added. [6] It is still run as a charity providing housing. [7]
The building is of Blue Lias with hamstone dressings and a slate roof. [1]
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