Its ancient rules required the heavy doors to be closed from early evening until dawn, a precaution against footpads and intruders at a time when there were no banks and the almshouse had its own tiny treasury.

Qualifications for residents were strictly laid down. They had to be "of honest life and conversation, religious, grave and discreet, able to read, if such a one to be had, a single woman, her place to be void on marriage, to be 56 years of age at least, no common beggar, harlot, scold, drunkard, haunter of taverns, inns and alehouses."

The 12 women were also expected to go to prayers three times a day and ordered to say a prayer for the hospital's founder, Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton.

Nearly 400 years later, the original occupants of the almshouses would have no trouble recognising the buildings. Protected by a Grade I listing, the exterior is virtually unchanged.

A direct descendant of the founder, Lord Greville Howard, still chairs the trustees who manage the hospital.

Traditional red cloaks and conical black hats, based on those worn by peasants at the time, are still worn by present-day inhabitants on special occasions.

In the 1940s, The King's England recorded: "We have found few sights in our tour through 10,000 villages more attractive than the sober procession of these ladies going to church on Sunday, wearing the red cloaks with the Howard badge and the steeple hats of their founder's day."

Inside the cottages, however, much has changed. Renovation in 1959 reduced the number of homes to nine but gave each resident her own kitchen and bathroom as well as a bedsitting area. Double glazing and central heating have also been installed and the cottages are furnished and decorated to the occupant's individual taste, from olde-worlde to light and modern.

An 1840 illustration of Castle Rising's "alms-women" gives an indication of the simpler living conditions of previous residents.

Tenants are still unmarried or widowed and must be reasonably fit and able to take care of themselves as no medical care or facilities are available. Priority is given to women from Castle Rising, Roydon or North Wootton, in line with the original conditions.

One of the charms of the hospital is the immaculate gardens, tended by Mr John Chilvers, of Dersingham, for the past ten years. He also cultivates a large vegetable plot, which keeps residents well supplied with fresh produce.

Residents spoke warmly about their home. Mrs Brenda Pell (78), said: "I think it's fantastic. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. You couldn't find anywhere more peaceful and the security is second to none."

Mrs Heather Scott (79), praised the convenience of the regular bus service and the facilities in Castle Rising. Mrs Margaret Kelly (70) said: "The people from the church are nice and friendly and the trustees are generous and very good to us."

The hospital's matchless mix of historical interest, beautiful buildings and appealing location weave their spell on hundreds of people every year.