The Orphanage With Attached Garden Wall And Gatepiers

The Orphanage, now converted into three flats, was founded in 1721 by Lady Betty Hastings of Ledston Hall. It has been slightly altered and is constructed from magnesian limestone ashlar with a stone slate roof. The building has a T-shaped plan, featuring a rectangular single-depth range with a rear stair turret and a modern addition to the right-hand side.

In a classical style, the structure stands three storeys high and has seven symmetrical bays. The central doorway features a recessed six-panel door with a broad moulded architrave and cornice. Each floor has vertical rectangular windows of equal height, all fitted with restored cross-window casements. The stone gable copings are adorned with moulded kneelers, and each gable chimney has three octagonal flues.

At the rear, the central gabled stair turret includes a ground floor doorway with a moulded architrave and cornice, along with stone gable copings and moulded kneelers. There is a later addition at the angle of this turret. The left gable features an attic cross-window.

The front corners of the building are flanked by high walls made of rubble with pitched copings, while a low wall at the front carries railings with spear-headed bars. In the center of this wall are square gatepiers with moulded caps and ball finials, although the finial on the right is missing. The entrance is marked by iron gates with spear-headed bars and dog-bars.

Inside, there is a dog-leg staircase with a closed string and slim turned balusters, visible from the first floor. The interior also features very large square beams with small chamfers and a principal-rafter roof.