Our story this week is all about a kindly widow who created something rather special for the poor despite the wishes and actions of her greedy relatives. Hester Clarke lived in Leominster, she was a quiet woman with a kind heart. Her late husband had been a wool merchant and had prospered leaving Hester a small fortune, a large house and lots of loving memories. There were no children to console and care for her but she did have cousins and nephews. They appeared on the surface to be fond of her but some say they were more fond of her fortune. For one day they hoped to inherit all that Hester owned.
Hester was very interested in the plight of the poor of Leominster. When she visited the town it made her sad to see men and women in rags begging in the street in order to feed their families. Whenever she went out she always kept some coins in her purse which she gladly gave to those who needed it. Her family on the other hand regarded the poor with contempt and distain. At Christmas time they were all for turning away callers to the house like the mummers but Hester would always invite them in, give them a generous donation and some food to warm their bellies.
Hester missed her wonderful husband especially a Christmas time. The house felt so empty so she would take a wander into town to busy herself. It was also a chance for her to catch up with her neighbours and the news. On her way back from one of these trips she spotted a commotion just outside her home. A woman had collapsed in the street and a crowd was now gathering around her trying to assist. As Hester looked upon the woman she could see that she was malnourished and cold so she suggested that she was brought into her house to get warm. The poor woman appeared embarrassed and tried to leave but Hester insisted that she remain with her until she was sufficiently warm and fed. Hester was all for sending for the woman’s family but to her horror found that she had none and that the woman was living on the streets. Hester wondered how she was going to survive such a cold winter and shuddered at the thought. But before the woman stepped back into the cold of the night Hester placed a golden guinea in her hand. As Hester waved her goodbye she had an idea, one that would change the woman’s life forever.
The next morning Hester set off on her mission. Her head full of ideas and her heart filled with excitement. An appointment was made with her solicitor who after lengthy discussions confirmed that Hester was wealthy enough to acquire some land that was for sale at Bargates. Not only that but she could afford to build four almshouses on the site. Her plan was to make the houses available for poor widows in the community. Plus she would set aside enough funds each year for their care. Happy and feeling ready for the challenge she set about realising her plan.
But as in any community people started to talk and before long her plans were divulged by her solicitor to her family. One nephew in particular accused her of going mad and squandering his inheritance such was his anger. When he realised that she would not be swayed from her plan he set about her downfall. He was going to ensure that she was declared of unsound mind and would no longer have control over her property. The property would be deemed his.
Hester’s solicitor informed her of her nephew’s intentions and if anything it made Hester even more determined to complete what she had started. It was clear from the conversation that Hester’s nephew had already claimed her home but the almshouses were out of his reach and legally he could not take ownership of these. So all was not lost. The almshouses were almost ready for occupation but there was one last task that Hester had for the carpenter.
The next day Hester went looking for the woman who had collapsed in the street and after walking some of the poorest areas of the town she found her. Hester told her about the almshouses and invited her to stay in one of them along with two other widows in similar circumstances.
The opening of the almshouses was a big affair and a sizeable crowd gathered outside. The widows were presented with their keys but before they could take occupancy Hester unveiled her finishing touch. Above the main door the carpenter had carved the figure of a man. In his hand he carried an axe and below him were the words, “He that gives away all before he is dead, Let ’em take this hatchett and knock him on the head.”
Hester then took the key to the fourth house and entered her new home, safe from her nephew’s meddling.
Despite her family’s dreadful actions of stealing her wealth and home, Hester had never felt richer. In the almshouses she was surrounded by genuine friendship and love. No longer did she feel alone and there she lived until she died.
The almshouses look the same today as when Hester first moved in and the carved figure remains above the front door for all to see centuries later. We’re glad that there was a happy ending for Hester. As the saying goes you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends.
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