Francis Close Hall

Francis Close Hall, now part of the University of Gloucestershire, is a training college originally built in 1849, with subsequent additions and alterations. It was designed by SW Daukes. The building is constructed of stone with ashlar dressings and a plain tile roof, arranged in a quadrangular plan with rear projecting blocks.

The exterior features a two-storey central porch with an octagonal tower between single-storey, four-bay ranges and outer two-storey-and-attic gabled blocks, each with two first-floor windows, and further outer porches at the recessed ends. A three-storey porch extends from the rear range. The building is characterised by quoins to the angles and buttresses between bays. Windows are generally three- and four-light mullion and transom windows; those on the ground floor have cusped heads set within double-chamfered surrounds and are topped with hoodmoulds, some incorporating foliate or head stops. A central pointed entrance features studded plank doors under a hoodmould. The return elevations have chamfered, straight-headed mullioned windows. A rear porch incorporates a tower with a pointed arch and a castellated two-storey oriel featuring four-light mullion windows. Within the quadrangle, a castellated breakforward is visible on the ground floor, while the first floor exhibits alternate two-light and single-light cusped windows.

The interior is simply detailed and includes stone staircases. The porch features a quadripartite vault with a chamfered pointed archway and plank studded doors.

Historically, the building was founded "for the training of masters and mistresses upon scriptural and evangelical principles in connection with the Church of England." The grounds and approximately 500 pounds were donated by Miss Jane Cook, initially housing 82 male students. Francis Close Hall is considered a significant achievement of Reverend Francis Close and is architecturally representative of the Gothic Revival style favoured for Church Training Colleges of the period.

The building forms a group with the Entrance Lodge, Gates, and Boundary Wall. Architectural historian Verey described the building as containing the “best C19-20 Gothic work” in Cheltenham.