Sir William Turner's Almshouses
Renovation and Redevelopment
Sir William Turner and his Almshouses
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Applying to live at Kirkleatham Almshouses
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Location of Sir William Turner's Almshouses
Regular Worship in the Chapel
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Chapel open to visiting groups
 The beautiful Chapel at the centre of the 17th century Almshouses is open to pre-arranged groups at any time by appointment.
The 17th century Chapel was designed by James Gibb, who was responsible for the Sheldonian in Oxford and many other fine buildings. Apart from the installation of electricity, it remains virtually unchanged since it was re-modelled in 1742.
"This is a gem of a building, a time capsule of restrained baroque elegance. Don't miss any opportunity to visit it," wrote one distinguished visitor.
Regular Services are held in the Chapel at 9.30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Evenings Prayers are said every third Sunday - see REGULAR WORSHIP IN THE CHAPEL in the side-bar menu or below. Seasonal services are held at Christmas and to celebrate the Founder's Memorial Day on 24th June.
To book a visit or an illustrated talk on Sir William Turner and his Almshouses, press CONTACT INFORMATION on the side-bar menu or below.
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Need a guest speaker for your meeting?
 Illustrated talks about Sir William Turner and his Almshouses are available to groups throughout the region, within an hour's drive of Redcar. The talk covers the life of Sir William in 17th century London, his family connections with Samuel Pepys and the recent changes at the almshouses. It lasts 30 to 60 minutes and can be tailored to suit the interests of the group.
There is no fixed fee but the Trustees look for a donation of £20 or more, depending on the distance travelled and the size of the group, payable to Sir William Turner's Hospital. Bookings are accepted up to twelve months ahead.
To enquire, use the MAIL FORM on the side-bar menu or below or write to:
MMThe Chairman,
MM1 Sir William Turner’s Court,
MMKirkleatham, Redcar TS10 4QT.
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Pre-booked groups boost visitor numbers
 A steady stream of visiting groups has boosted the numbers of visitors to the historic chapel at Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham.
Last year the Board of Trustees reversed their previous 'open door' policy. "Our residents found it very unsettling to have visitors turning up at all hours of the day," explained Peter Sotheran, chairman of the trustees. "Some visitors were very inconsiderate, peering through windows and wandering uninvited into the homes of residents."
Now all visiting groups are pre-arranged. The visits usually include a brief tour of the building and an illustrated talk about the life and times of Sir William Turner and his almshouses. Members of the Almshouses Residents' Association provide light refreshments and buffet meals as additional options.
"Over twenty groups booked in during 2007," said Mr Sotheran who also takes the illustrated talk out to groups that cannot visit Kirkleatham. Visitor numbers already exceed the annual total for the previous year.
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New lights for old
 The Chandos chandelier was removed on 19th November and sent to London for examination and minor restoration work. It will be offered for sale during 2008.
In its place hangs the magnificent Dutch chandelier, made by master-craftsman Claude Demeny of the Netherlands in 1735. It is contemporary with the re-modelling of the Chapel in 1742-45. Furniture experts report that it is of similar style to the chandelier which would have been in the chapel before the Chandos piece was installed. Each of the 85 pieces has been hand polished and lacquered to prevent tarnishing.
The new chandelier rises above the
old in the lower background
For almost 200 years the Demeny chandelier hung in a large parish church in northern Holland and it is believed to have been brought to England in the early 1900s.
It was electrified and for most of the 20th century hung in the City of London in the offices of a major insurance company. The Trustees of Sir William Turner’s have had the electrical fittings removed and the chandelier has been restored to its original 18th century appearance
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Prague pianist checks local young musician
 On the eve of his concert at Kirkleatham, Adam Skoumal sent an urgent request for a young musician to perform alongside him.
Earlier this year he was commissioned to write two duets for young pianists. Usually, his tour manager accompanies him during demonstrations but he was not available for the Kirkleatham concert.
Within 24 hours, word reached 11 year old Helen Haramalis, a Grade-3 piano pupil with Ian Sidgwick of Redcar. Helen stepped in to fill the bill with less than thirty minutes rehearsal with the piano maestro.
Adam delighted the April audience at Kirkleatham with a programme that included Schuman's Karneval Chopin's Scherzo in B-flat minor, Spring by Suk and one of his own original compositions.
Late dinner party
After the concert almost one-third of the audience adjourned to a Redcar restaurant for a late meal with the Skoumal and the concert organisers.
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Pipe organ ordered for SWT's Chapel
 | An artist's impression of the new organ in situ.
A pipe organ has been ordered for the chapel at Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham.
For the last twenty years, the chapel has made do with 'hand-me-down' electronic organs given by well wishers. Most last only a few years and some have difficulty producing musical sounds appropriate for a seventeenth century chapel.
"On one organ, all the stops produced the same sounds, except for the Hawaiian Guitar button!" explained Sheila Simpson, Warden at the 330 year old almshouses.
The new organ was built in 1890 by Bates, a well known organ maker at the time. It was last used in St. Peter's, a large city centre church in Harrogate, while their own organ was rebuilt. The Bates chamber organ is currently being completely refurbished prior to installation in July. It will stand on the first floor gallery of the chapel.
"Last Christmas we were somewhat embarrassed by the sound of the current second hand organ that was given to us some years ago," said Peter Sotheran, Chairman of the Trustees. "We are looking forward to having a real pipe organ in the chapel for the first time in its history."
An inaugural organ recital will be held after the summer holidays.
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