"Close linkages with Friendly Societies and a long Cambridge tradition"
The Cambridge Victoria Homes Charity was established in 1837 when funds were first raised locally to provide accommodation for the older members of Friendly Societies. Friendly Societies are mutual associations which provide for health and life insurance. They were important as co-operative and self help organisations during the 19th Century in the days before the welfare state. Friendly Societies continue to exist today, although on a smaller scale.
The Charity also has close links with Cambridge and in its early days the Charity originally required candidates for residency to be from within 5 miles of Great St Mary's Church in Cambridge.
In 1837 a number of local Cambridge businesses and organisations raised money to purchase the present site on Victoria Road and to build 'workhouse' accommodation. Residents shared kitchen facilities and were provided with items such as coal for heating. Over the years further legacies and donations were used to provide further dwellings. The workhouse was demolished in the 1970's and replaced by more modern bungalow units, as well as an office and guest room.
The original workhouse building 1937
The Homes in the early 20th Century