We are delighted to share a fascinating photograph from 1874, showing the residents of The Blue House gathered outside the building. This historic image has been digitised with thanks to Frome Museum, allowing us to preserve and share an important moment in the charity’s long history.
At the time this photograph was taken, The Blue House was home to 20 residents, including one resident visible looking out from an upstairs window. The image provides a rare and personal insight into life at the almshouse during the late 19th century.
In its early years, The Blue House appears to have provided accommodation exclusively for women. There is no evidence of men being housed at the almshouse during this period, most likely because the charity did not have the financial means to offer separate accommodation for both men and women.
For many years now, The Blue House has provided homes for both women and men. Today, residents must be over the age of 55, have a connection to Frome, be able to live independently, and be considered to be ‘in need’.
Historic photographs like this remind us that while much has changed over nearly 300 years, The Blue House’s core purpose — providing safe, supportive housing within the community — has remained constant.
