Foster’s Almshouse

Almshouses were built from the 10th century in Britain as charitable housing.

Wealthy merchant John Foster founded Foster's Almshouse in 1483 to provide accommodation for Bristol's poor, elderly and disadvantaged.

The Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne was created for use of the residents of the Almshouse. The Christmas Steps still contains the stone seats where the residents collected alms at certain times of the religious year.

The Almshouse was reconstructed in 1883 by architects Foster and Wood. Coincidently the head architect was also named John Foster.

John Foster often travelled overseas to trade and it is believed that the Chapel was based on the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral.

The statues of the Three Kings on the Chapel were added c1960, created by Ernst Pascoe.

Celebrated stained glass artist Patrick Pollen created the nativity scene that can be viewed from Christmas Steps in 1963.

It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade ll* listed building.

The rich history and detail of the building is maintained by the residents, if you are willing to help with the maintenance, any donations are gratefully received.