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The 'Almshouse Charity Of John Streche' was founded in 1418 to care for 'six ancient men and five women' of Wareham. The original premises were in East Street, a building of 1741 that survived the later fire, a fine pedimented building which still carries the bell and dedication plaque but is now in private hands.

In 1907 the beneficiaries were moved to a newly built set of single story homes in Worget Road.

There is a biography of the original benefactor here: Link

Almshouses are charitable housing provided to enable people (typically elderly people who can no longer work to earn enough to pay rent) to live in a particular community. They are often targeted at the poor of a locality, at those from certain forms of previous employment, or their widows, and are generally maintained by a charity or the trustees of a bequest.
Alms are, money or services donated to support the poor and indigent. Almshouses were established from the 10th century in Britain, to provide a place of residence for poor, old and distressed folk. The first recorded almshouse was founded in York by King Athelstan; the oldest still in existence is the Hospital of St. Cross in Winchester, dating to about 1132. In the Middle Ages, the majority of European hospitals functioned as almshouses.
An incomplete list of British Almshouses can be found at Link

Wareham is a small market town in Dorset. It is strategically located between the River Frome and River Piddle. The town has a long history with evidence of Pre-Roman settlement. The old town is surrounded by 9th century town walls.
Wikipedia: Link