Elizabeth Huggins
Memorial Cottages
A Living Memorial for Gravesend’s Wounded Heroes
Described as Gravesend's second War Memorial
In the aftermath of the First World War, Gravesend’s community came together to create something extraordinary — ten cottages purpose-built for disabled ex-servicemen. The vision and driving force behind this achievement was Mrs Elizabeth Annie Huggins, M.B.E., who served as Mayoress during the first three years of the Great War.
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Through her tireless efforts and the generous support of local people, money was raised via a series of patriotic events known as the Tipperary Fairs, which later became the Tipperary Fund. These events reflected the town’s strong sense of duty to those who had served and suffered during the war.
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The Elizabeth Huggins Memorial Cottages were officially opened on 29 March 1922 by Lord Desborough, in front of a large and proud gathering. Built in a charming Old English style, the cottages form a small garden estate on Wrotham Road, near the junction with Cross Lane.
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Each home was designed to offer comfort, dignity, and light to its residents — with individual gardens, spacious living areas, and modern amenities. At the time, they cost around £750 each, a significant sum raised almost entirely through public support.
Two bronze panels that were placed at the estate entrance describe the purpose of the site. One is a reference to the reasoning and the principle people involved in bringing it to success and the other commemorates the death of 2nd Lieutenant Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson VC.
​A Gift of Land in Memory of a Fallen Son
The land on which the cottages stand — 2½ acres — was generously donated by Thomas Colyer Colyer-Fergusson J.P. of Wombwell Hall. His gift was made in memory of his son, Captain Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson V.C., who was killed in action at Ypres on 31 July 1917, aged just 21. His bravery earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry.​
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A Lasting Tribute, Still in Service Today
Described at the time as Gravesend’s second war memorial, the cottages reflect the town’s long-standing values: generosity, compassion, and community.
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The Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity continues to operate to this day, managed by Gravesham Borough Council, providing affordable homes for local residents in need — a lasting tribute to the wounded veterans for whom it was built.
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“The Spirit of Sacrifice and Generosity is Not Dead in England”
These were the words spoken by Lord Desborough at the opening ceremony — words that still ring true today. The cottages no longer stand as historic buildings but have been replaced by newer homes suitable for modern living and as symbols of what a community can achieve when united by purpose and care for others.
Elizabeth Huggins photographed with her Gravesend Prisoner of War Fund collection stall outside the Gravesend Town Hall - signed by her in 16 January 1919. Elizabeth would be appointed as a Member of the most Excellent Order of the British Empire as Treasurer of the Gravesend Prisoners of War Fund on 1 January 1920.
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Transforming
As of 2025 the whole site is currently in a phased transistion of redevelopment with one part of the project completed. The War Memorial Plaques have been removed from the entrance and I have been informed by Councillor Anthony Pritchard , who is the chair of the Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity that the War Memorial Plaques (in the images above) are in storage (informed by email correspondence 8 August 2024).
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The Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity No.209211 states on it's website "The redevelopment of the Huggins complex was commenced in 2021 and is due to be completed in 2026."
​​​"The accommodation has always been exclusively offered to former millitary personnel and their families. The site comprises a mixed development of forty-one units of affordable accommodation including apartments, cottages, and houses, to support and recognise those who have served our country."