In 1872 Sir Henry William Peek, MP for East Surrey, erected five cottages on the corner of Wimbledon Common for use as almshouses. The site had previously contained some dwellings named Cinque Cottages, built in the 1770s, and the name was used again for the almshouses.

The cottages were intended for five pensioners and their wives and children who had lived, and been ratepayers, for at least five years in one or more of the 40 parishes of Mid-Surrey. Each cottage was free of rent, rates and taxes.

The pensioners had to be of good character and in needy circumstances, but not under 55 years of age. They were not allowed to have a yearly income of more than £30 beyond the pension. Each pensioner received an annual pension of £36 out of the income of the trust. In the event of a pensioner dying, his widow had to leave the cottage, but received an annual pension of £18.

In 1987 the almshouses were gutted and converted into eight one-bedroom apartments.

Current status