235-241, HIGH STREET

This is a row of almshouses built in 1684, founded by John Sayer, who served as chief cook to Charles II. The building is constructed of dark red and grey brick, with a hipped tiled roof and tall stacks featuring arched tile tops. A segmental central pediment contains a cartouche above the inscription "The Guift of John Sayer Esq 1684". The design is well-considered and includes a tall plinth, steps leading to the doors, and wrought iron railings. There are six tall, lattice two-light casement windows arranged in pairs, each set under a flat arch and flanked by semicircular niches. These windows are set above continuous brick sill bands. Six panelled doors are located at either end of the row, and two pairs are positioned to either side of the central projection, which is pedimented. A drawing from 1830 in the National Monument Record shows that the stacks originally lacked tile caps and that the steps were initially unrailed.