Welcome to Sir Robert Hitcham Almshouses

Sir Robert Hitcham held a career in law at the highest level. He became a barrister at Gray’s Inn and held posts including Attorney General to Anne of Denmark. Following this, King James I knighted him on 29th June 1604.

From the wealth he accumulated, Sir Robert Hitcham purchased Framlingham Castle from the Earl of Suffolk in 1635 for a total of £14000. Within his will following his death in 1636, he instructed for the Castle to be demolished and a poor house to be erected in its place. The Almshouses where originally constructed in 1640 for six widows and six widowers. Males would receive a hat, a blue coat annually, and women a bonnet and gown,

The Almshouses retain their original 17th Century character, though have been refurbished making the properties safer and more habitable.