Chipping Campden is a beautiful, historic town that boasts fine examples of ancient limestone building and craftsmanship. It was a very important, medieval market-town, playing a major role in the wool trade that was flourishing at the time.
As well as a host of other distinguished and interesting features, such as St James Church with its imposing 36 metre tower and the terraced High Street displaying a range of architectural styles, Chipping Campden is also home to some almshouses. These are still used today as charitable housing for elderly retired persons who have a connection with the local area.
The Almshouses were built in 1612 and were commissioned by Sir Baptist Hicks, who was an important benefactor to the town as he also donated money to build the ancient market hall, as well as other projects. The houses are a good representation of typical Cotswolds buildings from the period. The front row seems to be built in the shape of the Roman numeral “I” which may have been designed to represent James I. Sir Baptist Hicks himself can also be seen as being represented in the architectural design as his Coat of Arms and his motto “Nondum Metam” (I shall not fear yet) can be found on the front of the building. There is also a sunken cartwheel wash opposite the Almshouses, which is an interesting historic feature.