Our almshouse was established over 400 years ago in 1616 by Edward Alleyn. Alleyn was a successful actor-manager and entrepreneur, and the owner of the Manor of Dulwich.
Our aim
The aim of the Dulwich Almshouse Charity (DAC) is to support low-income older people in our area of benefit, primarily through the operation of an almshouse in Dulwich.
Our activities
Our main focus is the operation of our almshouse, which provides 14 quality, affordable flats, supported by a scheme manager, for low-income people over the age of 60.
- Our scheme manager runs a group called 'Befrienders' for older people living on their own near the almshouse, and members of the group are invited to attend our residents’ social activities and outings.
- We give small grants to two affiliated charities, the Bishopsgate Foundation and Camberwell Consolidated Charity. They distribute this funding in the form of small charitable pensions to eligible older people.
- We give small grants to other charities with similar objectives. These charities include St Luke’s Trust, St Christopher’s Hospice and Link Age Southwark (please note, we do not accept unsolicited applications for support from other organisations).
Area of benefit
The DAC’s area of benefit consists of the former parishes (as constituted on 1 May 1891) of: St. Botolph, Bishopsgate; St. Luke, Old Street; St. Saviour, Southwark; and Camberwell. It also includes parishes within the area of benefit of the Bishopsgate Foundation.
You can view and search our digital map to reveal whether specific locations lie within our area of benefit here: Dulwich Almshouse Area of Benefit map