The almshouses were founded in 1695 by Humphrey Michel, a local man who lived in a house on the corner of The Green and Duke Street. Following his death in 1696, the building was completed by his nephew John, who also increased the endowment.

The almshouses faced The Vineyard behind a small courtyard and were located nearby to Queen Elizabeth's Almshouses and Bishop Duppa's Almshouses. They provided 10 dwellings for elderly poor men.

In 1811 the almshouses were rebuilt. The 2-storey brick terrace had a central pediment over a slightly advanced centre. Above the central doorway, at the first-floor level, was mounted a large stone inscription and, above that, a cartouche with a carved coat of arms. Presumably the central part contained the chapel.

In 1858-1860 an extension was built at a right-angle to the existing block. Similar in appearance, it provided six additional dwellings.

By the 1880s elderly married couples were admitted to the almshouses, as were widowers and widows.

In 1956 the chapel was converted into a nurse's residence.

In 1968 the building was listed Grade II.

A one-bedroom bungalow was added to the site in 1990.

In 2005 one of the almshouses (No. 10) was converted into guest accommodation and office space.

Current status