The Civic Centre currently sits on the site of almhouses built in 1847, on a site to the north of St Michael’s Church, on the west side of Green Lanes/High Road, Wood Green. The institution was intended to benefit retired members of the Fishmongers’ and Poulterers’ Companies. Publicity material at the time, designed to raise funds, stated that the aim was to relieve:
“The accumulated misery of sickness and poverty… brought frequently to premature decay by constant exposure to wet and weather in catering for the pleasures of their wealthier fellow-citizens…”
Image is from the collections and © Bruce Castle Museum (Haringey Archive and Museum Service).
The building (as seen in the image around 1905) was designed in Tudor style by architects Alfred Mee and William Webb. There was a central turreted gateway and accommodation for twelve married couples. The almshouses opened in 1849, although lack of funds meant that some remained unoccupied in 1851. This impressive set of almshouses remained a Wood Green landmark until 1955, when it was demolished and replaced by the Wood Green Civic Centre in 1958 (now Haringey Civic Centre).
One couple who lived at these almshouses were John and Sarah Matthews. This photograph of them was taken on the occasion of their Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversary on 11 October 1928.
Image is from the collections and © Bruce Castle Museum (Haringey Archive and Museum Service).
John was a retired poulterer. It is assumed they are standing outside their own almshouse at number 8, where they had lived from the early 1920s. Sarah died in 1930, aged 87, and John died in 1936 at 91 years. Both are buried in Tottenham Cemetery.