Styleman’s Alms-Houses

“Twelve houses for twelve poor families.” The words echoed in my mind as I stood before Styleman’s Alms-Houses. These charming red brick buildings, bathed in the London sun, held a story waiting to be told. Styleman’s Alms-Houses, built in 1755, stand as a testament to the legacy of John Styleman. He was a director of the East India Company and a resident of Danson Park. His will, drafted before his death in 1734, stipulated the creation of these almshouses. He envisioned them as homes for twelve poor families of Bexley parish. The residents would be chosen by the trustees, minister, and churchwardens. Styleman’s generosity extended beyond the bricks and mortar. He also provided for an annual sermon on Midsummer’s Day. The minister of Bexley would receive two guineas for this service. An additional three guineas were allocated for a celebratory dinner on the same day. The almshouses themselves are a symmetrical arrangement of two-story buildings. Each house features two casements and a doorway, both with cambered heads. Above, two more casements with straight heads complete the facade. The chimneys, large and red brick with four flues, rise between each pair of houses. A sundial, dated 1882, graces the pediment, marking the passage of time for generations who have found shelter within Styleman’s Alms-Houses. The almshouses were finally built after the death of Styleman’s widow, fulfilling his charitable vision. Styleman’s Alms-Houses stand as a reminder of a time when philanthropy shaped the landscape of communities, providing not just shelter, but also a sense of belonging.