No.1 The Almshouses

Nos 1-4 The Almshouses, Llanrhaeadr.

Single-storey almshouse complex of whitened rubble construction with dressings of buff sandstone and brown brick, also now whitened; slate roof with 4 central brick chimneys, their upper sections rebuilt. The complex has an H plan and a 7-bay symmetrical facade, with advanced gabled wings at the ends and a storeyed and gabled central porch section of brick. This has gable parapets with moulded sandstone copings and shaped kneelers; the gabled wings have similar treatment and, in addition, raised brick quoins. C19 timber cross-windows with moulded mullions and transoms and latticed casements. Above those to the wings are fielded sandstone dedication plaques, that to the L recording the date and circumstances of the foundation, and that to the R recording the 1820 restoration. The central porch has a depressed arch leading into the passage. Above this is a further sandstone plaque recording the 1963 restoration, with a single-light latticed window above.

The rear elevation is similar, though originally had entrances to the R and L of the main section, in the corners with the projecting wings; these have been reduced to small-pane modern casement windows. The rear porch gable is of whitened rubble, rather than brick, and has a depressed stone arch. The passage has single entrances to L and R with ribbed and boarded doors. Similar entrances to the sides, corresponding to the rear units in the original arrangement. These have adjacent cross-windows as before. Beyond these are the reduced former entrances to the front units, also with modern casement windows.