The medieval city of Exeter had nearly 70 churches, chapels, monasteries and almshouses. Examples include manor houses, town halls, almshouses and bridges, but also residential houses. Bobbin lace-making was established in charity schools, almshouses, and convents. Also, the convent housed two almshouses for nuns and lay sisters. They ran hospitals, clinics, almshouses, pharmacies, and shelters as well as training schools for nurses. In 1511, Jakob deposited 15,000 florins as an endowment for some almshouses. In 1825, the corporation built eleven tiled, brick almshouses for poor women. They were never reformed, although The Biggin was for many years used as almshouses. They are the oldest almshouses in Central London. The village is notable for its early 17th century almshouses. The eight almshouses are arranged around a courtyard. It was accompanied by a set of almshouses for twelve pensioners. Many almshouses are European Christian institutions though some are secular. These included almshouses and Christian schools. The almshouses next to the church go back to 1694.