The almshouses at Etwall were funded by money left for that purpose by the second Sir John Port in his will of 1556. Initially accommodation was for six poor males, increased to 12 in 1622. The 'Hospital' was run as a charity, the occupants wore a uniform and The Master ensured both sobriety and attendance at St Helen's Church opposite. Women were not admitted until 1867. This view shows the houses following their restoration in 1986, at which time the gates provided by Robert Bakewell in 1715 for the now demolished Etwall Hall were installed in front after many years in storage.