The Fishermen’s Hospital Charity

The Fishermen’s Hospital Charity


Contact details

Website: https://fishermenshospital.org.uk/ 
Contact page: https://fishermenshospital.org.uk/contact/ 
Postal address:
The Clerk
The Fishermen’s Hospital Charity
No. 8 Fishermen’s Hospital
Church Plain
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 1ND 
Location: The Fishermen’s Hospital, Church Plain, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1ND.

What this organisation does

The Fishermen’s Hospital Charity is a long-established charitable organisation based in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Originally built in 1702 as an almshouse for retired and impoverished fishermen and their spouses, it continues its charitable purpose today by providing low-cost housing for eligible older local residents. Wherever possible, priority is given to people who have worked in sea-related occupations and to their surviving spouses or partners. 
For former fishers, maritime workers and their families who meet the charity's criteria, the organisation may provide an affordable housing option within a historic and supportive community setting. 

Who can use the service

The charity states that applicants should generally:
  • Be over 60 years of age. 
  • Have been resident within the Borough of Great Yarmouth for more than 20 years.
  • Not have sufficient funds to purchase a property of their own. 
  • Meet the charity’s eligibility requirements for almshouse accommodation. 
Priority is given, where possible, to:
  • Former fishermen and others with a working connection to the sea. 
  • Widows and widowers of people with a working connection to the sea. 
Geographical focus: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. 

Support available

The Fishermen’s Hospital Charity offers:
  • Almshouse-style accommodation within the historic Fishermen’s Hospital building. 
  • Low-cost housing for eligible older residents. 
  • A housing option that recognises the historic connection between the organisation and the fishing and maritime communities. 
The charity owns and operates the building and maintains it as a Grade I listed property while continuing its charitable housing mission. 

Features and benefits

Potential benefits for eligible seafarers, former fishers and family members include:
  • Access to affordable accommodation in later life. 
  • Preference for applicants with a maritime or fishing background. 
  • Housing provided by a dedicated charitable organisation rather than a commercial landlord. 
  • Accommodation within a long-established charity that was originally created to support retired fishermen.  
  • A central Great Yarmouth location close to local services and amenities. 

How to get help

  1. Review the information on the charity’s website to understand its purpose and eligibility criteria. 
  2. Contact the charity using the online contact form. 
  3. Alternatively, write to the Clerk at the charity’s postal address for enquiries about accommodation or eligibility. 
  4. Be prepared to discuss your age, residency history and any connection you or your late spouse/partner may have had with the sea or fishing industry. Eligibility requirements should be confirmed directly with the charity. 

Things to check before contacting them

Before making an enquiry, consider gathering:
  • Evidence of age if requested. 
  • Information about how long you have lived within the Borough of Great Yarmouth. 
  • Details of any fishing, maritime or seafaring employment history. 
  • Information about your housing circumstances and financial situation, where relevant to eligibility. 
As eligibility and housing availability may change, applicants should confirm current requirements directly with the charity.