The Queen celebrates the 850th Anniversary of St John's Foundation in Bath

At the 16th Century Chapel of St Michael Within, The Queen joined residents of St John’s Foundation's almshouses for tea. The Chapel sits within St John’s courtyard and is home to 40 of the 94 almshouses that the charity has for older adults.

Originally founded as a medieval refuge, St John's provides shelter and support for older adults, as well as working with children to make sure they have the best start in life. Her Majesty, as Duchess of Cornwall, became Patron of the charity in 2009.

The Queen walked through the city from the almshouses to Bath Abbey, where she was greeted by nearly 900 school children from seven primary schools, which have been supported by St John’s since the launch of its Foundation Fund in 2020.

Inside the Abbey, Her Majesty attended a Service of Celebration to mark the charity's anniversary. 

During the service, there was a performance from the 'Voices for Life' choir, which brings together children from six local schools that St John’s supports, and one of St John’s almshouse residents gave a reading.

Also during the service, Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque, which will be placed in the courtyard of the Chapel Court almshouses. 

Find out more about the work of St John's Foundation here.