St Bartholomew'S Hospital

St Bartholomew's Hospital is a complex of almshouses, largely dating from around 1698, though incorporating earlier elements from circa 1618. The site is reputedly linked to a medieval hospital founded by King John. The building underwent restoration in the mid-20th century. The layout is a wing plan, with a prominent central entrance feature in the main range. It is two storeys high and has a hipped tile roof with moulded brick ridgestacks. A central stack rises over the entrance, featuring four shafts with arched openings. The building is constructed of brick with a moulded eaves cornice. The ground floor windows are two-light mullioned windows with leaded lights and transoms. The central entrance has a semi-elliptical arch with impost courses and a keystone decorated with a cherub head. Above the entrance is a clock tower feature surmounted by an open pediment displaying the Achievement of Royal Arms (dating from circa 1714-1800) and an inscription reading: "Hospital of St Bartholomew / Founded by King John 1200-15 / This Tower erected 1698.” Individual almshouses have square-headed doorways with fanlights and glazed doors.