Forecourt Wall Gates And Gate Piers To Mackrells Almshouses

The forecourt wall, gates, and gate piers to Mackrell's Almshouses were built in the 1870s. They feature Devon rubblestone crazy-paving walls that are approximately one metre high and 180 metres long, with stepped chamfered coping. There are two pairs of gate piers on the right return and at the far left, each with chamfered plinths, cornices below stepped pyramidal caps, and cast-iron gates designed with geometric patterns. The two pairs of double gates and the gate piers flanking the centre are similar, but their caps are gabled on each side above the cornice, with trefoil recesses at the apexes. The cast and wrought-iron gates, particularly the double gates at the centre, are adorned with trellised designs featuring rectangles, circles, and flambeau finials. This well-detailed composition complements the almshouses, which are situated high above the road.