Lord Leycester Hospital

Lord Leycester Hospital is a Grade I listed building located on the north side of High Street. It was originally built by the Guild of St George and the Holy Trinity in the 15th century and later adapted by Lord Leicester in 1571 to serve as a hospital for pensioners. The complex is arranged around a courtyard and consists of several ranges: the south range features the Guildhall, constructed around 1483; the east range dates from before 1400; the north range, which includes the Master's House, is likely medieval and has been extensively restored, incorporating some 16th-century partitions and a south wall. The west wing contains King James's Banqueting Hall, which is late medieval with a modern facsimile west wall and boasts a fine early open timber roof with tiebeams.

The building is two stories high with an attic and is characterized by heavy timber framing, much of which is original close set studding, and is in fair condition. Significant restoration occurred in the 18th century and again around 1850, during which plaster was removed to reveal the timber framing and two small flush gables were added to the High Street elevation. The roof has been restored, primarily using old tiles.

Inside, notable features include an open quadrangle with a covered gallery and the Guildhall, which was converted to the Brethren's Quarters in the 18th century. The Lord Leycester Hospital, along with Nos 54 and 56 on High Street, Nos 1 and 1A Brook Street, and West Gate and St James's Chapel, forms a significant group of historical buildings. For a full history, refer to the Transactions of Birmingham Archaeological Society, Volume LX, published in 1936.