24, Friar Street

No. 24 Friar Street is a house that has been converted into a shop. It likely dates from the early 18th century and has undergone several additions and alterations, including restorations and a shop front added around 1990. The building is constructed of reddish-orange brick in Flemish bond, featuring gauged red brick arches and ashlar copings and sills. It has a concealed roof and a tall brick stack at the right end, which has been partly rebuilt and includes an oversailing course and pots. The structure is three storeys high and has one window on the first floor. Both the first and second floors have one 4/8 flush sash window under a flat arch made of gauged brick, with renewed sills. The low coped parapet adds to its character. The ground floor features a Victorian-style glazed shop front with a part-glazed door.

The interior has not been inspected. Historically, Friar Street began as a rear access lane for buildings on the High Street until the Franciscan Friary was established in 1235. The original Friary buildings were located between Nos 11-25. The southern end of the street was developed first, with plots dating back to the mid-14th century, while the northern end has plots from the early 15th century. Many of the houses that still exist today were built during the Reformation, following the suppression of the Friary in 1539, when the Crown sold its property to the Corporation of Worcester, leading to the demolition of much of it for building materials. Construction continued from around 1540, with modifications made to houses during the 17th century and several older houses being rebuilt in the 18th century. The street was primarily inhabited by tradesmen, including weavers, clothiers, brewers, and innkeepers. In 1993, the building received a City of Worcester Award for restoration.