St Ann'S

St Ann's is a house, likely dating to circa 1806, with extensions added in the 1830s or 1840s. Constructed with cement-rendered walls on a chamfered plinth, the original section features painted stone dressings, while the extensions include a string course, eaves cornice, and a gabled pediment. The roof is slate, with rendered ridge chimney stacks.

The house is two stories high, comprised of an original four-bay section and a later two-bay projecting extension with a higher roofline. Extensive two-story rear extensions create an overall L-shape. The original section features sash windows in stone surrounds, with glazing bars to the upper floor. A two-story canted bay window on the right side has pilastered angles and a pent roof. The extension includes a glazed front door with sidelights, featuring a tripartite pilastered surround. The projecting left bay incorporates a pedimental gable, a canted bay window, sash windows with glazing bars above, and a door, all within stone surrounds. The rear extensions are built of sandstone rubble and feature sash windows with glazing bars in stone surrounds.

The interior contains panelled doors in panelled reveals, moulded plaster ceiling cornices in the principal rooms, and Adam-style marble fireplaces. Internal panelled shutters are also present. A rear staircase is situated under a domed cupola and is characterized by square wooden balusters and a mahogany handrail; a panelled soffit archway defines the stairwell.

Historical records suggest no house previously existed on the site prior to 1806. It was possibly advertised to let in 1796 and was identified as "Anns Hill" by 1809, named in honour of Charles James Graham’s wife, Ann Clareson. The house passed to Fanny Eliza, and subsequently to William Wordsworth (son of the poet) who resided there from 1857 to 1870. Ownership changed several times before the property was purchased by Carlisle City Council in 1948 with the initial intention of repurposing it as a home for the elderly; this plan was never realised. In the late 1980s, it was acquired by Austin Friars School, with a condition preserving its use as judge's lodgings. The name "St Ann's" first appeared in a Carlisle directory in 1858.