Greenway Almshouse and Chapel

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John Greenway (c. 1460-1529) was a wealthy wool merchant from Tiverton. He is best known for his philanthropy and his surviving building works in the town, including the Greenway Chapel, the Greenway Porch, and the Greenway Almshouse.

Greenway was a devout Christian, and he used his wealth to support the church and to help the poor. In 1517, he founded the Greenway Chapel, which was originally built to house five men. The chapel is a fine example of late Perpendicular architecture, and it is still in use today.

The elevation of the chapel is topped by a gabled bellcote with cinquefoil head and demi-shafts at the sides. The chapel windows all have diamond leaded panes and decorative metal cross bars. The Almshouse to the left has two storeys and a half basement. The a-symmetrical front has three bays.

Greenway also built the Greenway Porch at St Peter's Church in Tiverton. The porch is decorated with Greenway's coat of arms and with the arms of the Company of Merchant Adventurers and the Worshipful Company of Drapers.

In addition to his religious works, Greenway also founded the Greenway Almshouse in Gold Street, Tiverton. The almshouse was built to provide accommodation for the elderly and poor of the town. It is still in use today, and it is one of the oldest almshouses in England.

Greenway died in 1529 and was buried in the Greenway Chapel which he commisioned to be built at St Peter's. He is remembered as one of the most generous and charitable benefactors in the history of Tiverton.

John Greenway's memory is also kept alive through the Tiverton Almshouse Trust, which was founded in 1974 to manage the Greenway Almshouse and other almshouses in the town. The Trust provides accommodation and support to older people from Tiverton and the surrounding area.

Address: Greenway Almhouse and Chapel, John Greenway Close, Gold Street, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6QS

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