The story of our charity is woven into the fabric of Poole’s history. At the heart of it stands St George’s, dating back to the 16th century. These historic almshouses, located on Church Street, include three ancient units and one added much later, around 1960. For more than 500 years, they have offered shelter and dignity to those in need.
Over the centuries, other almshouses have come and gone—the Rogers’ Almshouses in West Street, founded in the 17th century, and Garlands’ Almshouses at Hungerhill, established in the 19th century, are now part of history. Yet the spirit of care and community lives on.
In Hamworthy, the story continued in 1904 when Owen Carter purchased land at the Old Rope Walk from Lord Wimborne and funded the construction of ten almshouses for employees of Carters. The charity operates under a scheme prepared by the Charity Commission, first sealed in 1960 and later amended in 1997.
During the 1960s, an additional 29 units and warden accommodation were built on adjoining land, thanks to generous legacies from the Dinsdale and Joyce families.
These homes were designed to support workers from Poole’s pottery industries.
Three families—the Carters, the Hawkes, and the Yeatmans—have collectively given more than a century of uninterrupted voluntary service, a testament to their enduring commitment.
Carter Tile Legacy
In 1873 Jesse Carter, a builders’ merchant and ironmonger from Surrey, purchased James Walker’s brick and tile business on the East Quay at Poole. Jesse had no previous experience of the tile business except as a supplier of their products. By the time he took over the business it was in a sorry state and had been on the market for years. James Walker was bankrupt and the works were derelict [the Poole Potteries by Jennifer Hawkins, 1980].
After an uncertain beginning the business began to flourish and by the 1880’s Carters were competing with other manufacturers on a national level. In 1895 Carters acquired the Architectural Pottery at Hamworthy and inherited their artistic contacts (including amongst them the art potter William de Morgan). Jesse’s son Owen had joined the family business as a teenager. Owen was an accomplished watercolour artist in his own right. He also developed a particular interest in glazing and experimented with lustre glazes, working closely with James Radley Young who was head of the design studio.
The Almshouses have an early commemorative plaque by Carter and Co and the end gable is decorated in architectural faience with the initial of the benefactor. St Georges as a listed property maintains its original plaque.
In a fast-changing world, it is deeply rewarding to celebrate more than 100 years of successful stewardship of these almshouses, preserving a tradition of care and community for the people of Poole.
New Logo 2026
In 2026 a new logo was created for the Almshouse Charity encompassing our historic past at the site of The Old Rope Walk.
Kiln and Dolphin Logo
Became an unofficial logo of the company was Designed by Arthur Nickols, Junior Artist
Hamworthy Tileworks
The mosaic was probably a factory sample. It was sold by Christies in 2004.
Hamworthy Tileworks
The corporate logo from the now demolished Tileworks.
2026
Trustees agreed a new logo encompassing the Arch and Old Rope with some caring hands to signify the nature of our charity.
The Old Rope Walk 