In 1620 William Hatcliff, a London lawyer, then living in East Greenwich, bequeathed to trustees various properties (with a capital worth of £800*) so that half of the annual income from them could be used for the relief of the poor of East Greenwich, and the other half for the support of the needy in the parishes of Lee and Lewisham.

Although money was indeed distributed to the poor, over two centuries would pass before the charity built almshouses in his name - one in Rushey Green and one in Greenwich. Both were erected in 1857.

The almshouses in Greenwich, which accommodated six elderly ladies, were built in open countryside. However, in 1878, the railway line from London and Greenwich was extended through Maze Hill.  By the early 1880s, a completely new town had sprung up on the fields between the almshouses and the railway.

During the 1880s the almshouses were extended, after which there was accommodation for 12 residents.

In 1938 the buildings were again extended and modernised.

In 1978 they were renovated.
 

Current status