The chapel and almshouses were founded by Canon John Stevens DD, (Doctor of Physick), in 1457, to house thirteen poor men.
Regulations during the 17th and 18th Century changed, allowing married couples to live there. In the 19th Century, they changed again to favour widows, and single women.
The chapel attached to the almshouses were, by the beginning of the 19th Century, used as a carpenters shop. In 1811, the thirteen residents were increased to fifteen, by installing two extra habitations. By 1879, the poor women in the almshouse each received 3s a week.
During the second war, servicemen were billeted in the buildings. The bombing of May 1942 destroyed the Almshouses and Chapel.Read more
April 1, 2025 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C