The Charity has 51 bungalows at Hastings built to provide housing for Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames or their widows/widowers.
The bungalows are located within an enclosed site just outside of Hastings and offers a safe and secure place to reside. Most of the the bungalows are one bedroom), unfurnished and are maintained to a very high standard. During the last ten years new roofs, guttering, the installation of replacement double glazed windows and new back doors. has taken place. Currently new cold water tanks are being installed to made the bungalows more environmentally friendly and we are upgrading the heating in the properties.
The site has a very pleasant vista with a team of two gardeners who tend the grounds.
A pair of bungalows at Hastings
The Trustees aim to provide convenient and comfortable accommodation in a setting which allows the residents to come and go as they please. All residents are encouraged to make friends and share a wider social life through use of the communal hall located on the site . Many events both on site and at other locations are organised by the Social Club Committee and all residents are most welcome. The Warden lives on site and is responsible for the general up keep of the buildings and grounds. There is an emergencycall system in each unit so that in the event of a sudden illness or after a fall, residents can get help quickly. The site has no medical care.
During the last year two new watermen tenants made Watermen’s Close their homes.
Please note that we are unable to allow pets in the bungalows.
Admission for application to the Almshouse can be made by contacting [email protected] or ring 0207 283 2373 for an application form. Priority is always given to Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames.
The Trustees are keen to encourage Watermen and Lightermen who might not qualify for full charitable support but could be be admitted as a tenant and offer a significant reduction on the commercial rental to recognise their status as Freemen of the Company. For an application form please contact the Assistant Clerk.
Commercial Lettings
By arrangement with the Charity Commission the Trustees can let out on short-hold tenancies (12 months) a number of bungalows for accommodation if these are not needed for retired Watermen and Lightermen. If you are interested in being considered for a short hold tenancy please write direct to Watermen’s Hall or email[email protected]
The bungalows are located at:
Watermen’s Close
St Helen’s Park Road
Hastings
East Sussex, TN34 2JP
The grounds at Hastings
January 2021
The Charities are looking at how they might increase the speed that the bungalows are refurbished. At present the Charity waits until a property is empty as a tenant or resident moves on, but this has not allowed proper planning or efficient work.”
Because of this, a small working party was formed to look into how this situation could be improved. As a result of this, the Trustees propose to submit a planning application to refurbish the garages in order to build two chalet style bungalows on site. The proposed new bungalows will be two bedrooms with one bedroom on the second floor to accommodate visitors. Planning permission has now been granted.
Hiring Watermen's Hall
Watermen’s Hall is one of the City of London’s finest venues for conferences, banquets, receptions, award ceremonies, business meetings, wedding receptions, private dining and silver service luncheons for up to 80 people.
This 18th century Georgian Hall graces the City with its historical elegance and spaces to suit every occasion.
Please contact Mark Grove at The Cook and The Butler, either by phone or email, for all hiring enquiries:
Telephone: 020 7620 1818
Fax: 020 7620 1820
For more information about our rooms click on the link below
