VOLUNTARY groups will soon be able to find out more about Sir William Turner and the almshouses he founded at Kirkleatham, near Redcar.
The trustees are offering the services of a speaker to groups interested in finding out about the site's history.
Peter Sotheran, who organises tours and talks about the almshouses, said: "The illustrated talk explains that the alms- houses have never been a medical hospital but that the word is used in the old-fashioned sense - meaning a place that offers hospitality."
He said the speech would focus on the site's long history of offering sheltered accommodation to retired people. For 200 years, lasting until 1942, the hospital also provided a free school for children aged nine to 16.
Sir William lived through a turbulent period of English history in the 1600s, including the execution of King Charles I and the Great Fire of London.
He became Lord Mayor of London and was a friend of architect Sir Christopher Wren and diarist Samuel Pepys. To arrange for a speaker, write to the chairman of the trustees, 1 Sir William Turner's Court, Kirkleatham, Redcar TS10 4QT, or leave a message on (01642) 482828. Proceeds from the talks are used for the benefit of the almshouses.
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