Aykroyd & Sons, Clothing Factory (Former Workhouse)

This is a large former workhouse complex dating from the late Regency period. Constructed from local rubble, it features hipped slate roofs and substantial rubble stacks, with simple cornicing detailing. The complex is composed of a two-storey, T-shaped section facing the street, a large three-and-a-half storey range to the rear, and a single-storey link block connecting the two. The link block divides the open central space into two enclosed yards with high surrounding walls.

The front range is symmetrical, featuring a square, three-bay central block projecting forward from flanking three-bay wings; the returns of the central block also have three bays. The central, slightly advanced bay of the main block is gabled with plain bargeboards. It features a wide segmental entrance arch with a canted wooden oriel above, retaining its original 12-pane unhorned sash window at the front, accompanied by simpler two-pane (replaced) side sections. The flanking bays incorporate larger, later 19th or early 20th century two-pane shop windows on the ground floor, set within stucco surrounds and bracketed labels; one is partially obscured by a modern fascia. Above these are original nine-pane sash windows with slate sills and lintels. The returns of the front range display similar windows to the upper floors and entrances to the ground floor bays; these have modern boarded, glazed and part-glazed doors.

The flanking wings are set back behind low rubble forecourt walls. They share a similar window pattern to the front range, with the central first-floor windows of each being blind and the ground floor centre window of the right wing blocked. Round-arched decoration appears above each opening. A central lateral chimney springs from the eaves of the right wing; a former chimney in the same position on the left wing has been removed. Outer entrances to the ground floor are present, with a modern PVCu door on the left wing and a plain boarded door on the right. The rear range is distinguished by a large, full-height canted stone bay in the centre, with end chimneys and small-pane windows. Its flanking wings each have four bays and similar windows, with three hipped dormers at roof level on each side.

The interior of the upper floors remains largely unaltered, showcasing pine floor boarding, simple cast iron columns, and plain king post trusses supporting the roof. Two narrow, square pine staircases provide access to the upper floors of the rear block, featuring stick balusters, square newels, and round handrails. The front block contains a plain stick baluster staircase ascending around two walls of the central section and returning on the upper floor, creating a central well. The link block opens off of this, with a series of round arches running along its length, creating a tunnel-like effect.