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supported by a group of trustees. The only designated disciplines included cleanliness, keeping good order and the avoidance of drunkenness, the last of which threatened instant dismissal if breached. The beneficiaries were accommodated in “five tenements of two rooms each with two rooms over”. A major renovation in 1951 coincided with The Festival of Britain and was funded by public subscription. The accommodation was modified to four self-contained cottages over which stood the Sarah Roope Rooms which continued to be used predominantly for activities connected with the adjacent parish church of St. Thomas of Canterbury. In 2020, some 180 years later, the four cottages are


occupied by single residents and the room above is available for hire at reasonable rates. Internally, all the cottages have been upgraded to contemporary standards. Although not luxurious, the cottages have a southerly and sunny view of the River Dart. The austere


terminology of the 19th century


may have changed but Sarah Roope’s criteria for residence still guide the trustees who find no difficulty in filling any vacancies when they arise. The Sarah Roope Almshouse


Charitable Trust exists on voluntary donations only and these are invested and used for the upgrading of the residences and renovation of the building fabric. The time is ripe now for substantial structural renovation. This will entail scaffolding across this narrow part of Beacon Road which is a cul-de-sac leading to seventeen properties beyond. Although the planning authorities are sympathetic to the charitable


aspects of the almshouse, we do have to comply with regulations directed towards a listed building. With their guidance and the goodwill of the residents of Beacon Road and Alma Steps we hope to maintain and improve the property to perpetuate those ambitions expressed by Sarah Roope in 1840. Ian Fraser, Vice-chair of the Charitable Trust.


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01803 834488 • 07710 425883 • info@ciaranmcclennon.co.uk www.ciaranmcclennon.co.uk


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