The Mary Feilding Guild was set up in 1857. Lady Mary Feilding became aware of the difficulties facing well-educated, unmarried women who were effectively abandoned by society when they retired from professions like nursing and teaching. Lady Mary acquired a block of 50 flats in Kensington to provide accommodation for them, enabling them to live with care, companionship and dignity.  The women paid their rent by producing and selling crafts.  

In 1958 the Guild acquired 1 View Road, in Highgate, North London where it is today.  Men are now admitted as well as women and while the ethos has also evolved, it remains true to the founding beliefs.  Residents have had different life experiences.  They want to continue an autonomous, active and stimulating life in a convivial atmosphere of enquiring minds with some shared interests. There is a quality of mutual respect, courtesy and kindness.  Residents are supported to live as independently as they did at home. Their care needs are met but they no longer have to deal with the practicalities of daily living.  So often, care homes are seen as a last resort, but this is not the case at the Guild. Out of 40 residents, the three women featured are not unusual in their appetite for life, their trenchant wit, strength of opinion and care for others.   The Guild has a care for life policy and so residents have different levels of physical capability.  It remains a charity aware of the difficulties facing many people today.  As a result, it has launched a benefit fund appeal to help support those who may not otherwise be able to live there.