3 And 4, Hitcham Almshouses

A pair of almshouses located in Hitcham, dating from 1654 and built according to the will of Sir Robert Hitcham (dated 1636). They form part of a group of two similar ranges of buildings set approximately 7 metres apart. Each range contains a pair of dwellings. The buildings have a gabled front, and are one storey in height with attics. The front wall is built of red brick with tumbled brickwork to the parapets; a central limestone plaque displays the carved achievement of Sir Robert Hitcham. The side walls are of rendered masonry, while the rear gable is of red brick. The roof is covered with plain tiles and includes 19th-century gabled dormers. Red brick external chimneys are located at the rear. The windows are 19th and 20th-century casements, some with small panes of glass. The entrance doors are 19th-century boarded doors. A plaque on a side wall records refurbishment work undertaken in 1961/62.