Fry'S House Of Mercy

Fry's House of Mercy is an almshouse built in 1784, with some internal alterations made in the 20th century. It was endowed by William Fry, a local distiller.

The building features coarse roughcast walls, a limestone parapet, and brick chimneys located behind the ridge of a pantile roof. It has a two-storied, double-depth plan with a long range at the rear. The exterior displays a symmetrical three-bay elevation in the Gothick style. The central entrance has a two-leaf door with modern strap hinges and scrolled ends, set within a four-centred moulded arch supported by uncarved imposts and moulded jambs. The lancet windows on both floors have Y-tracery and two leaded casements with interlacing heads. The elevation is topped with a crenellated parapet and a cornice below it. Above the doorway, an oval panel reads "FRY'S HOUSE OF MERCY 1784."

The interior was not inspected but is known to have been rebuilt behind the façade after 1945. Fry's House of Mercy was founded in 1778 and completed in 1784 to provide housing for twelve widows, connected to the parish of St. Mary Redcliffe, which likely influenced its Gothick design. After suffering bomb damage during World War II, the almshouse was partially rebuilt while retaining its original façade.

Fry's House of Mercy is significant for its architectural interest, particularly its Gothick design, and its historic value as one of the few surviving 18th-century philanthropic buildings in the city, still serving its original purpose. It also holds group value with the nearby Grade I listed St. Mary Redcliffe church and other listed buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries on Colston Parade.