Edwards Homes

Edwards Homes comprises a group of eight almshouses dating to 1896, commissioned by Sir Henry Edwards. They are constructed of broadmayne brick with Portland stone ashlar dressings, all beneath a slate roof. The architectural style is Tudor Revival.

The buildings feature a long, central range of seven bays, with the central three bays slightly projecting and topped by a broad gable whose apex is defined by a pair of pinnacles. Single gabled bays are brought forward to each side. The windows are predominantly 3-light casements with flush stone mullions and transoms. Above the lower lights are small square windows with cast-iron diagonal and horizontal bars. The central bay has a pair of panelled and part-glazed doors set within a pointed segmental head, beneath a 3-light window with a stone apron, a sundial and a plaque displaying a coat of arms. The plaque is set within a pointed arch displaying the inscription “EDWARDS HOMES 1896”. Above the doorway are two blind stone slits, flanked by a stone finial. Brick buttresses, featuring two offsets and octagonal stone pinnacles, further emphasize the central bay. Each side gable also steps forward slightly and has prominent kneelers. The end gables incorporate windows that project slightly, beneath a straight crenellated parapet, a stone string and a moulded panel. Paired doors are located in the internal angles. Each unit also contains a door to its side of the central block. These original doors include three vertical glazed panels above a transom light, and are framed by a pointed arch over a fanlight, all set within flush quoins. Coped verges are present on all gables, with the party walls extending through the roof slope to form copings. The building has large stacks at either end, and four ridge stacks, all constructed of brick with stone dressings. A rock-faced stone plinth and cast-iron downpipes with decorative fixing cleats are present. The rear incorporates five flat-roofed two-story additions.

During an inspection, one apartment retained original features including a dogleg staircase with turned balusters, decorative newel, four-panel doors with chamfer-stopped architraves, and picture rails.

Sir Henry Edwards, a Member of Parliament for Weymouth, funded the construction of these almshouses, along with similar sets located in Rodwell Road and James Street. The building's design is distinctive and grand, and remains largely unaltered due to continuous institutional ownership.