The Almshouses

The Almshouses comprise three cottages located on the south-east side of The Street, Great Chart. The north-east and central cottages were originally founded as almshouses in 1583 by Francis Toke of Godinton and were later rebuilt in 1833, likely by Nicholas Roundell Toke. A further cottage was added in 1899, replicating the style of the earlier buildings.

The cottages are constructed of ashlar, with a tiled roof featuring shaped Dutch gable ends. They have six casement windows, each with a dripstone above. A porch is positioned centrally between the two original cottages, featuring a shaped gable and a stone inscription reading: “This Almshouse for 2 aged persons was founded and endowed by Francis Toke Esquire, Anno Domini 1583 and rebuilt Anno Domini 1833.” A similar porch is located at the south-west end of the third cottage, with a stone inscription stating: “This Almshouse was erected by the Trustees of the Toke and Streeter Almshouse Charity AD 1899.”