Flats in Folkestone Road, Dover, named after Victorian England footballer Cuthbert Ottaway, used to tackle homelessness

By: Sam Lennon slennon@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:43, 21 January 2021

Updated: 15:02, 21 January 2021

A building named after one of England's first soccer heroes will be used in a crusade against homelessness.

Ottaway House, in Folkestone Road, Dover, which has eight flats, has come under the ownership of Dover District Council.

Cuthbert Ottaway. Picture courtesy of the Dover Society

It is named after Victorian footballer Cuthbert Ottaway who lived in the town and captained England's first international match in 1872.

The homes will be let at affordable rents and provide interim housing for local people facing homelessness.

The council says this is part of its commitment to provide more affordable housing throughout the district.

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Developers, Karllee Construction, of Aylesham, handed the homes over to the authority on Monday, and new tenants are already moving in to the eight one bedroom flats.

The project is supported by Homes England Move On funding.

Ottaway House in Folkestone Road. Picture: Dover District Council

It forms part of the council’s commitment to develop its own interim housing to reduce the reliance on bed and breakfast accommodation.

It is for those who need a short-term place to stay before a more permanent solution to their housing needs can be found.

DDC has a programme to build up to 500 new affordable homes across the district.

Other development projects currently underway include 65 new homes at William Muge House and Snelgrove, House in Harold Street.Dover.

A contract has also been awarded for 24 new affordable homes at Stockdale Gardens in Deal and Kimberley Close in Dover.

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There is also planning permission for 26 new homes at Napchester Road in Whitfield.

An artist's impression of Muge/Snelgrove site. Picture from Dover District Council

Cllr Derek Murphy, DDC cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re delighted to take ownership of this new development.

" This is part of our ongoing work to continue to invest in our housing stock and to provide practical solutions to the challenges of homelessness.

"These new homes provide an affordable solution that enables us to continue to help local people who find themselves unexpectedly homeless with somewhere comfortable to stay whilst a permanent home is found for them.”

Cuthbert Ottaway was selected to captain the England team travelling to Partick to play Scotland on November 30, 1872.

That is now recognised as the first international match and the score was 0-0.

The unveiling of a plaque at Cuthbert Ottaway's home by the Dover Society, March 2018. Picture: Chris Davey

Ottaway was born in Dover on July 19, 1850, attended Dover College and grew up in Camden Crescent.

The civic group the Dover Society unveiled a plaque for him at his former home in March 2018.

Ottaway, who was also educated at Oxford University, was the only child of James Cuthbert Ottaway, a surgeon and former mayor of Dover.

Ottaway played for several football teams such as Oxford University and Crystal Palace.

He was also an accomplished cricketer, representing teams such as Eton College, Oxford University, South of England, Middlesex, Kent and Marylebone Cricket Club.

He toured the United States and Canada with an England team in 1872.

Ottaway also made two appearances for Kent in 1869 and 1870, scoring 70 runs.

A total 51 of these were on his debut before being bowled out by the legendary WG Grace.

Ottaway, who married in August 1877, had a full but tragically short life.

He died of pneumonia on April 2, 1878 aged just 27.