Our History
Almshouses charities have been in existence for over a thousand years. The Liversage Trust dates back to 1529, set up under the Will of Robert Liversage, a prominent Derby businessman of the time, for the relief of poverty.
The Trust has maintained Almshouses since the 17th century including some lovely historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, but most homes were built in the 1900s.
10th Century
1529
Robert Liversage founded Liversage Trust
Robert Liversage, a prominent Derby businessman, founded Liversage Trust in his Will for the relief of poverty in Derby.
1722
Liversage Trust resolved to build its first Almshouses
12 Almshouses were built at the edge of St Peter’s Churchyard in pursuance of Robert Liversage’s will. They were later demolished and replaced by the London Road Almshouses.
1836
London Road Almshouses opened
The London Road Almshouses remain today and are Grade 2 listed buildings.
1880s
Original Liversage Trust properties demolished
Due to the widening of St Peter’s Churchyard, the old Liversage Cottages were demolished.
1896
The Nottingham Road Estate was built
To designs by Alexander Macpherson, one of Derby’s most important architects.
1965
The Almshouse Association was formed
Liversage Trust is a member of the Almshouse Association which works to support Almshouse charities and their residents.
1965
Arthur Hind Close Estate was built
1966
Building began on our Franchise Street and Drewry Lane Estate
1989
Liversage Court, our Care Home opened
Liversage Court was built principally to cater for our residents who became less able to live independently. Our doors are now open to all!
1993
Nottingham Road area was proudly declared a conservation area
by Derby City Council.
1996
Our first female Chair was appointed
2012
Our first female manager was appointed
2016
The Liversage Arms was converted from a public house into apartments
2017
Clarke Street was purchased
This site adjoins Nottingham Road and provides opportunity for further Almshouse new builds in the years ahead.
2018
Rebranding of the Trust
We celebrated the launch of our new branding and website.
2024
The office moved from London Road to Alice Street
We transformed a derelict site on Alice Street into new offices and a workshop.
10th Century
1529
Robert Liversage, a prominent Derby businessman, founded Liversage Trust in his Will for the relief of poverty in Derby.
1722
12 Almshouses were to be built at the edge of St Peter’s Churchyard in pursuance of Robert Liversage’s will. They were later demolished and replaced by the London Road Almshouses.
1836
The London Road Almshouses remain today and are Grade 2 listed buildings.
1880s
Due to the widening of St Peter’s Churchyard, the old Liversage Cottages were demolished.
1896
To designs by Alexander Macpherson, one of Derby’s most important architects.
1965
Liversage Trust is a member of the Almshouse Association which works to support Almshouse charities and their residents.
1965
1966
1989
Liversage Court was built principally to cater for our residents who became less able to live independently. Our doors are now open to all!
1993
by Derby City Council.
1996
2012
2016
2017
This site adjoins Nottingham Road and provides opportunity for further Almshouse new builds in the years ahead.
2018
We celebrated the launch of our new branding and website.
2024
We transformed a derelict site on Alice Street into new offices and a workshop.
Who We Are
The Liversage Trust has been managed by our board of Trustees. Today our board has 12 trustees, and together we work to help people in Derby struggling to afford the cost of living and continue to carry out the good work of our founder, Robert Liversage.
Chair of the Board
Malcolm has been a Liversage Trustee since 2000. Outside of his commitments to the Trust, Malcolm is interested in history and is an avid collector of anything and everything and also enjoys playing golf.
Vice Chair of the Board
Sue joined as a Trustee in 2006, after a career in local government, culminating in being appointed Director of Policy at Derby City Council. She currently serves the Trust as Vice Chair of the Board, as well as advising on personnel matters.
In what other spare time she has, she enjoys walking and gardening.
Lead Trustee for Estates
John is a Derby lad, and developed his interest in housing through a career with Derby City Council. John has been with the Liversage Trust for over 25 years. He is currently the Lead Trustee of Estates. He is also a keen Derby County fan, and enjoys spending time with his 10 grandchildren.
Lead Trustee of Care Home
Roy retired from Rolls Royce in 2015, after having worked there for more than 40 years. He has represented Allestree Ward in the City since 1985, as both county and city councillor, and is also a Board member of Derby Homes. He joined the Trust in 2004 and currently serves as Lead Trustee of the Care Home.
Trustee
Les was a Derby City Councillor representing Littleover Ward from 2002 to 2014, and served as Derby’s Mayor in 2012-13.
Les stood down to devote more time to travelling and seeing his family. He also re-joined as a Liversage Trustee in 2013.
Trustee
Richard moved to Derby in 1985 to develop his housing career and fell in love with the City and its surrounds. He joined the Trust in 2016, after retiring as Company Secretary with the Chartered Institute of Housing. He has a strong interest in housing and good governance, and is dedicated to his family.
Trustee
Michael is a Lancastrian but spent most of his working life in Derby.
A solicitor, he also had responsibilities for adult social care and housing at Derby City Council.
Michael became a Liversage Trustee in 2012 and volunteers for a national charity, with football, swimming, hill walking and four grandchildren taking up much of the rest of his time.
Lead Trustee of Finance
Don has retired from his position of strategic director of resources and deputy chief executive for local government. He’s now our Lead Trustee of Finance at Liversage. Don is married with two daughters and four grandchildren, he loves playing golf, gardening and family life. Don also enjoys football, he’ll watch Newcastle play against Derby whenever he gets the chance.
Trustee – Nominee
Tim has been a Liversage Trustee since 2010. Derby born Tim is a lay-reader at St Peter’s Church and an avid supporter of Derby County; his Grandfather was the team doctor in the 1946 cup final. Tim is also a family man and is surrounded by music as his wife teaches brass instruments and his daughters play the violin.
Trustee
Tim Prosser is a city councillor and self-employed businessman. Born and raised in Derby Tim has lived all around the UK doing a wide range of roles including statistics, chemicals, tourism and property.
Need help or advice?
If you are interested in any of our services and would like to get in touch, we would love to hear from you!