Two historic almshouses have been put up for sale as they are no longer suitable for elderly people.

The properties, which are situated at the end of a row of ten almshouses in Military Road, Colchester, each comprise a bedsit-type room, kitchen and bathroom.

The houses, owned by the charity Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouses, have been empty for more than a year.

Susan Leng, chairman and trustee of Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouses, said they had obtained permission from the Charity Commission for the sale.

Winnocks charity almshouses, in Military Road, were founded in 1678 by clothmaker John Winnock and are thought to be Colchester's oldest almshouses which remain on their original site.

Neighbouring Kendalls almshouses were created by the Rev John Kendall and his wife Anna in 1791 as an update to Arthur Winsley's 1726 endowment of homes for elderly men.

Published Tuesday, August 31, 2004

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