Rashleigh Almshouses

The Rashleigh Almshouses and No. 6 Polmear Hill are a group of almshouses and a former hospital, built around 1800 by William Rashleigh. The complex was extended in the early 19th century and in 1855, undergoing restoration in 1977-8. The buildings are constructed of stone rubble, with granite dressings on No. 6. They have slate roofs with gabled ends and large stone stacks on the front.

Originally a row of seven one-room almshouses, the original four cottages were extended in the early 19th century by adding three more. In 1855, a small hospital wing was built at a right angle to the right (west) end, containing three rooms (wards) on the ground floor and accommodation for a matron above. The complex was later restored and the seven almshouses were converted into three cottages with rear extensions.

The almshouses are single-storeyed, with seven large lateral stacks on the front and seven gabled stone porches featuring four-centred arch doorways and casement windows. A four-centred arch passageway leads through to the right, connecting to a two-storey, gable-ended cross-wing (No. 6). This wing has a gabled porch in the angle, two- and three-light granite mullion windows with leaded panes, and a tablet in the gable inscribed "W.R. May 14. 1855”. A lateral stack is situated on the right side. Whitewashed extensions are visible at the rear. The interiors have not been inspected.