Henry Lucas Hospital And Attached Water Pumps

Almshouses with attached water pumps, founded in 1663 by Henry Lucas, MP for Cambridge University, under the terms of his will. The building was completed in 1667. Constructed in brick with rusticated brick quoins and hipped roofs of old tile.

The complex is arranged in a symmetrical U-plan with pavilions at the ends of the projecting wings. The right-hand pavilion contains the Chapel, while the left-hand pavilion houses the former Hall. The almshouses are organised around the courtyard in the manner of an Oxford College, each group accessed via individual staircases with separate entry from the courtyard. The structure comprises two storeys with attics throughout.

The main roof slope of the rear elevation displays six tall 17th-century chimneys with clay pots, with single similar stacks serving each pavilion. A string course runs at first-floor level, and the building is detailed with bold moulded and modillioned cornices. All windows are 2- and 3-light wooden casement windows with leaded glazing. Two flat roof dormers appear in the wings, and one in each pavilion.

The central section spans nine bays, with the three centre bays projecting slightly forward. The cornice is carried across this central part and around a broad pediment, which features a boldly carved stone cartouche of arms supported by a cornucopia in the tympanum. Above the pediment stands a hexagonal wooden bell turret with an inverted curved lead roof and wrought iron weathervane, containing a brass bell dated 1667. The centrepiece comprises a 10-panel double door in a stone architrave, with a stone date and inscription panel above and small floral side enrichment. Two secondary doors occupy the flanking central projections, adjoined by two old water pumps housed in wooden boxes, each fitted with an iron crank handle and spout and decorated with floral work.

The side wings are similar in treatment, each pavilion containing two large arched windows set in moulded brick surrounds within rectangular brick panels. Entrance doors to the Chapel and Hall, with circular windows above, face onto each return of the wings. The entrance forecourt between the pavilions is enclosed by brick walls with weathered coping and a central pair of rusticated brick gate piers with moulded stone caps and finials. Wooden gates feature carved upper sections, carved side panels, and a heavy toprail with a central ball and inverted side scrolls.

The Chapel interior retains contemporary pews with brass candlesticks, panelling, pulpit, altar-rail, and a wooden chancel arch flanked by Corinthian pilasters. Both the Chapel and the former Common Room contain 17th-century armorial stained glass. The former Common Room is also fitted with wooden dado panelling. Many original 17th-century wooden doors survive, as do five original wooden staircases with turned balusters.

Henry Lucas's will specified that the hospital be erected and endowed "for the relief of old men and for the upkeep of a Master to be their Chaplain". Following the death of Henry Lucas's executors in 1675, the Drapers Company inherited the trusteeship of the hospital, a responsibility it maintained until the Charity Commissioner sold the property in March 2001.

It has been suggested that Sir Christopher Wren may have been the architect. Henry Lucas was professionally associated with Wren, his father Christopher Wren, and his uncle Matthew Wren during the 1640s, yet no direct documentary evidence has been discovered linking Wren's name with the design or construction of this building.