Mary Hardstaff Homes

A row of ten almshouses was constructed around 1934, designed by Cecil T Howitt for the Miss M E Hardstaff Charity. The buildings are constructed of brown and orange brick with brick dressings and have plain tile hipped roofs surmounted by thirteen brick stacks. A brick plinth and embossed iron guttering are also visible. The almshouses are single and two storeys high.

The south-west front has sixteen windows arranged in a pattern of two, one, two, two, two, two, one, two, with a central two-storey block and single-storey wings linked on either side to canted outer blocks featuring gabled centres. The central block’s passage doorway has an iron gate, recessed surround, and a Dutch-gabled hood with a cartouche inscribed "These Homes were constructed in accordance with the Will of Mary Elizabeth Hardstaff." It is flanked by four-light windows, above which are two smaller four-light windows with an orange brick sill band. Each side wing has a recessed central doorway flanked by three-light windows. Canted outer wings are linked by round-headed recessed passage doorways. The outer wings feature projecting two-storey centrepieces with tall Dutch gables and single five-light windows with external shutters. Above these are smaller three-light windows with embossed window boxes on iron scroll brackets. The side wings, single-storey in height, have central recessed doorways flanked by three-light windows.

The rear elevation presents a recessed central two-storey block with a central passage doorway flanked by single doors and two-light windows. Above is a central seven-light window with a blind central light flanked by single light windows. Projecting single-storey wings have central single light windows flanked by two-light windows. The canted outer wings are linked by curved sections with passage doorways and flanking doors. The outer wings have recessed two-storey centres with Dutch gables and single doorways, single two-light windows, and tiny single light windows. Above are two two-light windows and a single round window. The side wings have central single light windows flanked by two-light windows. All windows have wooden frames and cast iron casements with square leaded lights. The construction was undertaken by Messrs Greenwood's of Mansfield, and the almshouses were awarded the RIBA Bronze Medal by the Nottingham, Derby and Lincoln Architectural Society in 1936.