Almshouses And Raised Footway And Retaining Wall

The building consists of almshouses dating from 1616, which were restored in 1854 and again in the mid-20th century. They were built by Sir Richard Grobham and restored by Mrs. Mary Hill. The structure is made of red sandstone random rubble with a slate roof, featuring coped verges and brick stacks that are corbelled out at the gable ends.

The almshouses are two stories high and have 11 bays. They include two- and three-light red sandstone mullioned windows. There are two segmental-headed doorways located between the third and fourth bays on the right, with the right-hand doorway being slightly larger and leading to a cross passage that provides access to the rear, which has an iron gate. Additionally, there is another pair of doors between the seventh and eighth bays, and a fifth door in the left end bay. The doors are 19th-century planks with ornamental hinges.

A coved string course separates the two stories. Above the left-hand pair of doorways, there is a recessed plaque displaying a coat of arms and the date 1616, while another plaque above the cross passage entrance has an inscription dated 1854. In front of the almshouses, there is a stone flagged footway with stone setts in the channel. A low red sandstone retaining wall topped with iron railings runs along the front, with steps at the right-hand end.