1-7 Felsted Almshouses

The Felsted Almshouses, located on Braintree Road, were founded by Richard Lord Rich and rebuilt in 1878 by Chancellor. This attractive group of almshouses features a half H plan and is single storey with a red plain tile roof and red brick construction, showcasing much moulded brickwork on all gable ends. The left and right sides are symmetrical, each with a gabled crosswing facing the central courtyard.

At the rear wing, there is a central chapel that has been converted into a dwelling. It features a round-headed, six-panel door set in a moulded brick doorway, supported by brick pilasters and topped with a pediment that has moulded brick soffits and a heavily carved stone coat of arms. Above this, at ridge level, is a square bell cote that houses a bell and has a moulded dome covered in lead, supported by four posts and rails, with a circular finial and vane. The windows are symmetrically arranged, dressed in stone, and consist of various four and two-light designs. The original doors are made of nail-studded boards, with 20th-century three-light doors also present. The left and right wings each have four red brick chimney stacks, while the rear wing has six matching stacks. The gable ends feature moulded bricks at the soffit and eaves band, with unfilled circular mouldings and fleuron panels located below eaves level.