Milley'S Hospital

Milley's Hospital is an almshouse built in 1504, with later alterations including a rear addition from the late 18th century and extensive restoration in 1906 by C. Lynham, along with an addition made between 1985 and 1987. It was established by Dr. Thomas Milley. The building is constructed of brick with ashlar dressings and features a tile roof with brick end stacks, one of which is large and located at the front of the ridge.

Architecturally, the hospital is designed in a Tudor style and consists of two storeys with an attic, presenting a symmetrical five-window range. The entrance is located in a two-storey gabled porch that has an elliptical brick arch and a wide-boarded door. Above the entrance is a window with pilaster strips and a pediment, featuring a two-light casement with an iron opening casement. There is also an apron panel with an inscription commemorating the foundation, flanked by single-chamfered lights and end three-light single-chamfered-mullioned windows. The building has two gabled dormers, all adorned with leaded glazing. The rear of the hospital includes a gabled wing, with the left return wall having been moved back in 1906, and features an end gabled wing and a re-entrant stair wing. The windows on this side are similar to those at the front, with some being two-light casements. The left return features segmental-headed windows with terracotta sills and four-pane casements, along with a 20th-century wing at the rear.

Inside, the inner entrance retains its original door with strap hinges. The hall showcases stop-chamfered beams, close-studded partition walls, and doorways with slight ogee heads and plank doors. The first floor and corridors leading to the wings maintain similar architectural details, including some three-panel doors and one door with a wooden latch. The chapel, located at the centre of the first floor, has simple features such as plain benches and a window with a 17th or 18th-century latch. An open well stick-baluster staircase is also present.

Historically, the hospital was founded in 1424 and re-founded between 1502 and 1504 by Dr. Milley for the benefit of almswomen, and it is built on the site of the town ditch.