Okens House

Oken's House, located at 20 Castle Street, is a late 15th century timber-framed house with significant historical associations. An inscription on the gable end facing the street indicates that Thomas Oken, a wealthy mercer who died in 1573, donated this house for charitable purposes. The house was restored in 1864. The gabled end features a jettied first floor and retains some heavy curved timber framing that is original. Most of the external framing and infilling appears to date from the 19th century, but the overall character of the building has been preserved. The east elevation has two identical flush gables with 19th century barge boards and finials, and the roof is covered with old tiles. The interior details are not specified. Currently, Oken's House houses the Warwick Doll Museum. Thomas Oken was the last Warden of the Guild of the Holy Trinity and Saint Mary and one of the first burgesses of the town of Warwick, which was incorporated in 1545. Oken's House is part of a group that includes Nos 10, 12, 16, and 20.