Kingston Charity Trust (Incorporated)
Kingston College, Mitchelstown.
Founded 1761
Warden: Ms C. Bradley
Chaplain: Canon Tom Sherlock
Telephone: 022 40677
Administration telephone: +353 21 500 5080
Kingston College was built and endowed in 1761 by James, Fourth Lord Baron Kingston. The College (i.e. ‘community’ – not an educational establishment) consists of thirty small terraced houses grouped around a large square, with a chapel in the centre. The setting is very attractive and the buildings are fine examples of Georgian architecture.
The foundation was intended originally for former tenants of Lord Kingston’s estate, which is long since gone. The houses are now occupied mostly by retired, people from all walks of life and from all parts of Ireland and beyond. The houses are not identical, but each is a separate, self-contained unit, with garden and out-offices, and the residents live completely independently, while still enjoying the benefits of being part of a community. As well as a chapel, there is a community room, which is used from time to time for various functions.
While the buildings of Kingston College are over two hundred years old, most have been renovated and modernised in recent years, often by the residents themselves, who are encouraged to improve their own houses as far as possible. The Trust endeavours to maintain the houses to as high a standard as is practicable in the light of limited endowment income and the age of the property. The accommodation is suitable for one or two people, and anyone from the community who is in need may apply.
There is a resident Warden in the College, who has general oversight of the property and is available to assist the residents in matters relating to their houses, and also a resident Chaplain.
Kingston College is situated in Mitchelstown, thirty-three miles north-east of Cork City, on the main road to Dublin. The town is well provided with shopping and other necessary facilities and there is a satisfactory bus service to Cork and throughout the surrounding area.
The construction of Kingston College in the second half of the eighteenth century was a far-sighted and progressive development, and only in recent years have similar establishments become an accepted and essential part of the housing scene. Accommodation for older and retired people in particular can often present a problem, when departure of family or reduction in income may require a move to a smaller house, and the majority of the College residents are in this category.
The College is administered by the members of the Kingston Charity Trust, which includes the Bishops of Cork, Cashel and Limerick, and Mr. J.K. Roberts. The Bishop of Cork chairs the Trustees.
All enquiries about the Trust and accommodation at Kingston College should be submitted to:
The Secretary
Kingston Charity Trust
Diocesan Office
St. Nicholas’ House
14, Cove Street
Cork
Telephone: +353 21 500 5080
Fax: +353 21 432 0960
E-mail: click here
The Registered Charity Number is: 20001537
The Revenue exemption, CHY number is: 947
You will find this charity in the register of the Charities’ Regulator HERE