Christopher Buxton, who helped in the creation of a national network to acquire and run the growing number of Abbeyfield houses

The concept was created in England in the mid 1950s by Richard Carr-Gomm, who realised that many pensioners lived alone, feeling isolated and lonely. A major in the Coldstream Guards, he resigned his commission and moved to Abbeyfield Road, in the east end of London, where he bought a nearby terraced house. With friends' help, he created bed-sitting rooms for four elderly tenants. Richard became house-keeper and cook. A 'push on the door' sign ensured a steady stream of neighbours and visitors. Media interest and significant donations enabled the purchase of further houses, in London, Cheshire and Sussex.

In 1957, the Abbeyfield Society was formally established and, in 1959, the involvement of Christian Teamwork, a volunteer group of London businessmen headed by Christopher Buxton, led to the creation of a national network to acquire and run the growing number of Abbeyfield houses. The Abbeyfield movement became international in 1988 as societies were established in Australia, Canada, South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy.