Fashion — AW24 Abbot’s Hospital Photoshoot
Step into the new season with The Friary’s Autumn/Winter ‘24 collection! To kick off the latest fashion trends landing in our stores, we’ve teamed up once again with our incredible local Brand Ambassadors: Liz, Wes, and Soph. Keep reading to explore the vibrant location that brings this shoot to life!
The backdrop? The wonderful Abbot’s Hospital!
A Historic Location with a Story to Tell
Abbot’s Hospital has been a cornerstone of Guildford since 1622, providing housing for locals of modest means. While it may not be what we consider a “hospital” today, it’s an almshouse where older residents live independently, supported by a sense of community and shared activities. It’s more than just a picturesque setting, as living in beautiful, historical surroundings like this has even been shown to improve wellbeing and longevity! Look here if you think living at Abbot’s may be right for you or a friend or relative.
A Glimpse Inside Abbot’s Hospital
Abbot’s rich history makes it the perfect backdrop for our AW24 photoshoot. The residents here still enjoy the charm of 17th-century living while benefitting from the support of a modern-day community.
Though it’s not a museum or heritage site, Abbot’s Hospital likes to share its history with others when it can without disturbing its residents. We couldn’t pass up the chance to blend this historical landmark with our latest fashion trends.
Heritage, Fundraising, and Fashion
Abbot’s Hospital is a small but mighty charity with a dedicated team and a board of Governors, including the Mayor and local volunteers approved by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Keeping 21st-century social housing running in a 17th-century building isn’t cheap! Residents contribute, generally through their housing benefits, and this covers most daily costs, but major repairs need extra funding. George Abbot left behind investments to help finance the Hospital. The original farms were sold, and the investments now include retail properties which have had a tough time recently, so the Hospital hasn’t had the income it used to. One of these is the Old Cloth Hall on North Street, which used to be let to Edinburgh Woollen Mills and before that Laura Ashley – it was originally built by George Abbot to help the town when the wool industry declined, it’s one of Guildford’s historic treasures.
Like Abbot’s Hospital, the best way to protect it is to put it to good use – just as the Hospital has supported older Guildford residents for over 400 years.
While Abbot’s Hospital isn’t open all the time (after all, it’s home to 26 people), you can join guided tours twice a week from April to October, or book private tours and even rent out some of the beautiful historic rooms here.