Alms Houses

St Mary’s Homes, Church Lane, Godstone

image1The Homes were founded in 1872 and were built in a romantic half timbered free Tudor style to a design of Sir George Gilbert Scott who, at that time, lived nearby and was also carrying out extensive works to the adjoining church of St Nicholas.  The buildings are listed Grade II* and consist of six one person dwellings and two slightly larger ones each suitable for a couple. There is also a chapel and the original well and accompanying shingled roof structure.

The Homes were founded through the sole generosity of Mrs Augusta Nona Hunt a wealthy widow who lived in the parish with her daughter Mabel Fanny. Mabel died tragically shortly after her 16th birthday and in her grief Mrs Hunt resolved to commemorate her daughter by the founding of St Mary’s Homes for the elderly of the parish.

St. Mary’s Homes is a registered charity (No. 206075 and is administered by trustees.  The objects of the charity are to provide sheltered accommodation to those in need who are able to maintain themselves at an affordable price in a peaceful and supportive environment.  The residents pay a monthly contribution to cover the costs of maintenance, heating and other services.  The amount payable is well below the equivalent fair rent determined by the Valuation Office Agency.  Vacancies occur from time to time and enquiries should be referred to the Hon Secretary, Philip Anderson at 13, The Priory, Godstone, RH9 8NL telephone 01883 742655.

Extract from the Godstone Parish Magazine of 1872. 

20th June 1872

image5At the Parish Church on Thursday, Francis Matthew Hampden Turner Esq. was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Mary Meek.

From the fact that both bridegroom and bride have been known in this place from their infancy, a peculiar interest is naturally attached to this union; and prayers and good wishes have followed the happy pair on their journey to the Tyrol, which was commenced, with every prospect of fair weather, on the afternoon of the wedding day.

Death of Miss Mabel Fanny Hunt 27th June 1872

We have also to record a very painful incident in the annals of our village, showing how true it is that there is but a step from the house of feasting to the house of mourning.  Within a short week after the above happy event one of the bridesmaids, the very life and soul of that cheerful party, the darling and pride of the village, Miss Mabel Fanny Hunt, was called away by the sudden stroke of death.  St Marys Homes March 2010 (3)Although not belonging to the records of last month, we cannot help adding that on Tuesday, July 2nd, our beautiful Church was again filled by a deeply sympathizing congregation, who came to pay their last tribute of affection to one whose gentle and simple character had made her very dear to all.  Never was a more touching scene beheld in the Churchyard, than when young and old pressed forward to shower flowers upon the coffin in its last resting place; and we are sure that many a prayer went up on behalf of the bereaved mother, sorrowing indeed not as those who have no hope, but in quiet faith and resignation waiting the glad morning of the Resurrection.

Additional information not contained in the aforementioned magazine:

Mabel Fanny Hunt  –  Born 9th March 1854 Birtley Co Durham,    Died 27th June 1872 Godstone,  aged 18 years

Augusta Nona Hunt nee Shuter (mother)  –  Born 1828 Lewisham Kent,  Married 1853 Croydon,  Died 24th February 1878 Surrey,  Aged 50 years

John Hine Hunt (father)  –  Born 1818 London,  Married 1853 Croydon,

Died 1857 Auckland Co Durham,  Aged 39 years