Caleb Lovejoy Almshouses

A Website That Shares the Story of a Hidden Gem in Guildford.

Web Design

Charity

Overview.

A warm, heritage-led website for a historic almshouse charity that provides affordable homes in the heart of Guildford.

Caleb Lovejoy’s Almshouse Charity was founded by Caleb Lovejoy in his will of 1676 and today owns four Grade II listed cottages in Bury Street, behind St Nicolas’s church. The cottages provide comfortable, affordable homes for older or vulnerable members of the community. We designed and built a WordPress website, donated through the Delivered Social Green Initiative, that celebrates this history and helps the right people apply for a home.

WordPress CMS: The charity can post news and update cottage details without needing technical help.
Heritage Story: Dedicated pages on the history, Caleb’s life and Guildford’s almshouses bring more than 350 years of local history to life.
Clear Application Guide: A simple How to Apply page explains who is eligible, the monthly charge and how to get in touch.
Donations and Gift Aid: Donation, bequest and Gift Aid pages help supporters protect these historic homes for the future.
Free Website Design & Build: The charity’s website was created at no cost through Delivered Social Green, so more income can go into caring for the cottages.

Caleb Lovejoy Almshouses Website Homepage

The Challenge.

Balancing a proud history with the practical needs of future residents and supporters.

As a small almshouse charity, Caleb Lovejoy relies on residents’ charges and the generosity of supporters to maintain listed buildings that are costly to look after. The website needed to feel as charming as the cottages themselves, explain the application process clearly and encourage donations and bequests.

Telling the History: Present centuries of history in an engaging, easy-to-read way.
Reaching the Right Applicants: Make eligibility and the application process clear for older or vulnerable people and their families.
Encouraging Support: Give donors a clear reason and simple routes to help.
Easy on Any Device: Keep text readable and buttons easy to tap on a phone.

The Results.

A charming online home that matches the character of the cottages it represents.

The finished website gives Caleb Lovejoy’s Almshouse Charity a warm, trustworthy presence in Guildford. Visitors can explore the cottages and their history, potential residents can see how to apply, and supporters can donate or leave a gift in their will, all from a site the charity can manage itself.