Former Hospice Of Saint Julian

The Former Hospice of Saint Julian, located at No 1 Cheap Street, dates back to 1625 and is a significant late medieval building that has undergone many alterations over the years. It was established by Margaret Gough in 1437 as part of the endowment for the almshouse of Saints John the Baptist and Evangelist, and it may be named after Saint Juliana of Norwich.

The structure features walls primarily made of coursed rubble and is topped with a stone slate roof. It stands two storeys high with an attic, and the gable end facing the street includes a central projecting bay. The lower storeys of this bay are constructed of ashlar and appear to have been restored. Each lower storey has a four-light stone mullioned window with four-centred heads for the lights, while the attic contains an earlier two-light window. The side walls are corbelled forward at the first-floor level, creating recesses that house single-light windows with four-centred heads. Visible at the first-floor level are beam ends and joists, along with a later door.

On the north-facing return wall, there are two original windows, one of which features a hood-mould with remnants of a corbel-head. An external chimney is present, and part of the eastern section behind the George Hotel has later windows in the east gable end, along with a now-blocked original mullioned window. Inside, the building showcases moulded ceiling beams, carved bosses, and parts of the original roof.

The Former Hospice of Saint Julian is part of a group with Nos 1 to 15 (odd) and the George Hotel, contributing to the historical character of Higher Cheap Street.