Building record TR 34 SW 934 - Gorely Almshouses, Cowgate Hill, Dover, Kent.

Gorely Almshouses, Cowgate Hill. Constructed 1877, with alterations 1921.

Erected in 1877 for the poor. Dr. Astley, who was Mayor of Dover at this time was instrumental in founding the Gorely Almshouses on Cowgate Hill, on the lower slopes of Western Heights. The recently widowed Mrs Susan Gorely (1798-1880), of Ladywell farm, in 1877, wanted to leave a legacy to the town by which she would be remembered. She was persuaded by Dr Astley to pay paid for ten almshouses to be built. When Dr Astley died in April 1907, by his will he left two-thirds of his £23,000 estate to the Gorely Almshouses. He stipulated that part of this money was to go towards increasing the weekly allowances paid to the inmates. Henry Hobday of Buckland Paper Mill provided further funds to extend the homes in 1921, making 12 houses for 24 people. Now named Gorely House and operates as a sheltered accommodation for the elderly. (1)

Numerous histric OS maps dating to the last years of the 19th and first half of the 20th century show the almshouses in this location. (2-4)

<1> Lorraine Senicle, 2013, The Dover Historian - Edward Ferrand Astley – The Doctor who cared for the people of Dover (Website). SKE32087.

<2> Landmark, Ordnance Survey 1:2,500 map (OS 2nd Edition, 1897-1900): Landmark Epoch 2 (Map). SKE30965.

<3> Landmark, 1907-1923, Ordnance Survey 1:2,500 map (OS 3rd Edition, 1907-1923): Landmark Epoch 3 (Map). SKE30966.

<4> Landmark, Ordnance Survey 1:2,500 map (OS 4th Edition, 1929-1952): Landmark Epoch 4 (Map). SKE30967.