Almonry

[1] Close to the sanctuary, and adjoining its western side, was the eleemosynary or almonry, where the alms of the abbey were daily doled out to the poor and needy.

[4] The almonry at Evesham was a separate building that was home to the almoner of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Mary and St.

The practice began in the early 14th century when a form of scholarship was established that provided attendance at the cathedral school, housing, and food for boys at least 10 years old who could sing and read.

The Hereditary Grand Almoner, a position instituted by Richard I, distributed alms on the occasion of a coronation.

The duties of the High Almoner were more general and included visiting the sick, poor widows, and prisoners and reminding the king to bestow alms, especially on saints' days.