Details
SAFFRON WALDEN
TL5338 ABBEY LANE
669-1/1/5 (North side)
01/11/72 King Edward VI Almshouses, central
block and chapel
GV II
Almshouses. 1834. Red brick with composition dressings, slate
roof. Long E shape plan. 2 storeys and cellars. Front, S
elevation: two 11 window ranges flanking central gabled chapel
with gabled E and W end cross-wings. Whole composition has
parapets with moulded copings and string courses, finials on
corner buttresses and apex of gables (some now missing) also
plinth. Chapel, large 2-centred arched window with simple
Perpendicular tracery, below, 4-centre arched doorway with
label and leaf decorated spandrels, C20 2-leaf door, glazed,
each door 2x5 panes, either side, a lancet window, splayed
sill, glazing bars, 2x5 panes. Projecting corners, diagonally
buttressed, above, finials, parapet and string. Tudor royal
arms on gable plaque. Ranges each side have windows grouped
from centre, 2,3,3,3, with tall stacks between. Windows all
originally of paired horizontal sliding sashes (some replaced
with similar casements), each pair of 4x4 panes set in hollow
chamfer, moulded frames with central mullion. Aperture of
chamfered brick with splayed composition sill and cast moulded
label. Stacks, each have 4 diagonally set shafts linked at top
by projecting stone plate. First bay to W of chapel has cast
shield of Saffron Walden over ground floor window. End
cross-wings similar to chapel but with angle buttresses,
windows similar to main ranges but on ground floor of 3
lights, first floor 2-lights with shields of arms above,
illegible now at E end.
E and W elevations: similar with principal ranges projecting
through cross-wings and having diagonal buttressing. Ground
and first floor window of 2 lights in house style. Pinnacles
at E end mainly survive but now missing at W end. Rear, N
elevation: chapel projects through range, as front but
simplified, large 3-light Perpendicular traceried window,
plain diamond lattice glazing, no buttresses or parapet.
Ground floor, 2 leaved boarded door to cellar. E and W ranges
have complex pattern of scattered windows, similar to front
but plain with voussoired, slighty segmental heads and tiled
splayed sills. Many now have replacement metal casement
frames. 3 doorways to each range lead to access lobbies and
stairways. Doors original with pair of lower flush panels and,
now with 3-light upper glazing, 2 horizontal glazing bars.
Similar door in each end cross-wing.
(White M: Saffron Walden's History: Saffron Walden: 1991-:
94).
Listing NGR: TL5353038358
