The Coningsby Chapel & Museum

A Memory of Hereford.

This photo shows the Coningsby Almshouses and Chapel, in Widemarsh Street, Hereford, reputed to be originally a 'cell' of Dinmore Manor, a Commandary of the Order of St John in the 16 century.  It fell into disrepair and was rebuilt by Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Manor near Leominster from the stone of the Blackfriars monastary whose ruins stand behind the present day building. It was further renovated in the 1970s.
The Chapel is owned by the Order of St John but the almshouses, originally 12 in number, have been renovated to 6 more sizable dwellings and is a trust.  Originally occupants had to be male, and served Herefordshire, wearing a bright red coat, legend said was given to them by Nell Gwynne (of Hereford & oranges fame). It was she who had King Charles II use the same for the Chelsea Pensioners.
A building at the side of the current day property is the HQ of the St John Ambulance in Herefordshire.
Over the next 12 years the site is to be developed and the Almshouses and Chapel will become the focal piece in a NEW Hereford.