King Edward VI Almshouses, Central Block And Chapel

SAFFRON WALDEN

TL5338 ABBEY LANE 669-1/1/5 (North side) 01/11/72 King Edward VI Almshouses, central block and chapel

GV II

Almshouses. 1834. Red brick with composition dressings, slate roof. Long E shape plan. 2 storeys and cellars. Front, S elevation: two 11 window ranges flanking central gabled chapel with gabled E and W end cross-wings. Whole composition has parapets with moulded copings and string courses, finials on corner buttresses and apex of gables (some now missing) also plinth. Chapel, large 2-centred arched window with simple Perpendicular tracery, below, 4-centre arched doorway with label and leaf decorated spandrels, C20 2-leaf door, glazed, each door 2x5 panes, either side, a lancet window, splayed sill, glazing bars, 2x5 panes. Projecting corners, diagonally buttressed, above, finials, parapet and string. Tudor royal arms on gable plaque. Ranges each side have windows grouped from centre, 2,3,3,3, with tall stacks between. Windows all originally of paired horizontal sliding sashes (some replaced with similar casements), each pair of 4x4 panes set in hollow chamfer, moulded frames with central mullion. Aperture of chamfered brick with splayed composition sill and cast moulded label. Stacks, each have 4 diagonally set shafts linked at top by projecting stone plate. First bay to W of chapel has cast shield of Saffron Walden over ground floor window. End cross-wings similar to chapel but with angle buttresses, windows similar to main ranges but on ground floor of 3 lights, first floor 2-lights with shields of arms above, illegible now at E end. E and W elevations: similar with principal ranges projecting through cross-wings and having diagonal buttressing. Ground and first floor window of 2 lights in house style. Pinnacles at E end mainly survive but now missing at W end. Rear, N elevation: chapel projects through range, as front but simplified, large 3-light Perpendicular traceried window, plain diamond lattice glazing, no buttresses or parapet. Ground floor, 2 leaved boarded door to cellar. E and W ranges have complex pattern of scattered windows, similar to front but plain with voussoired, slighty segmental heads and tiled splayed sills. Many now have replacement metal casement frames. 3 doorways to each range lead to access lobbies and stairways. Doors original with pair of lower flush panels and, now with 3-light upper glazing, 2 horizontal glazing bars. Similar door in each end cross-wing. (White M: Saffron Walden's History: Saffron Walden: 1991-: 94).

Listing NGR: TL5353038358