Whitechapel Union Scattered Homes, 'Park Cottages', Clarence Road / Park Road (EHER 15404)

Whitechapel Union Scattered Homes were erected on Clarence Road, Grays in around 1899. The system of cottage home villages or scattered homes was a major aspect of the policy of Poor Law Authorities by the 1890s. They sought to accommodate 'pauper' children in a natural environment separate from the workhouses in which they had previously been housed. Most cottages accommodated small groups of children who were looked after by a 'house-mother' and a 'house-father'. The same arrangement was probably followed at the purpose-built homes on Clarence Road, which were suburban in style, yet conspicuously larger than adjacent semi-detached houses.

Erected by Whitechapel Union in 1899 to the designs of Mr C.M. Shiner; one of two similar structures built as scattered homes for Poor Law children. Situated on the corner of Clarence Rd/Park Rd, this substantial double cottage stands to the south of the park. The two symmetrical L-shaped buildings are of red brick, two-storeys with a tiled roof. Each cottage has a full height canted bay to the south and a single-storey entrance porch on the east/west side; original sash windows survive at ground floor level and there is a shared sanitary annex to the rear. The plans demonstrate that internal access was possible between the buildings for the master/matron. Although the building has been converted into two private dwellings it retains much of its external integrity including separate side entrances and the sanitary annex. Much of the internal spatial plan may survive, but an internal inspection is needed. <1> Site Assessment: Scattered Home sites are comparatively rare in Essex and these examples demonstrate how Poor Law children were increasingly becoming integrated within the local community during the twentieth century. Site Management: When the opportunity arises an internal inspection should be undertaken. The scattered home is not of sufficient importance to merit listing, but should be retained as a locally important historic building. The structure is well maintained and any original features should be preserved in situ. Prior to any major works it may be appropriate to produce measured floor plans, a written description and record photography. Information from NRHE Whitechapel Union Scattered Homes were erected on Clarence Road, Grays in around 1899. The system of cottage home villages or scattered homes was a major aspect of the policy of Poor Law Authorities by the 1890s. They sought to accommodate 'pauper' children in a natural environment separate from the workhouses in which they had previously been housed. Most cottages accommodated small groups of children who were looked after by a 'house-mother' and a 'house-father'. The same arrangement was probably followed at the purpose-built homes on Clarence Road, which were suburban in style, yet conspicuously larger than adjacent semi-detached houses. Site plans show that the children's homes included a hall, living room, 'mothers' bedroom, dormitories and shared sanitary block, among other facilities. The scattered homes appear to have included the following properties: Harold Cottage (Bridge Road), Park Cottages (Clarence Road/Park Road), Whitehall Gardens (Whitehall Lane), Dene Cottages (Orsett Road). There was also a receiving ward and superintendent's block on Whitehall Lane. The homes on Clarence road appear from photographic evidence to have been constructed of brick with tile roofs (possibly modern), sash windows and brick chimney stacks. The buildings were still extant in November 1995. <2> <3> <4> <5>