Saint John's Home

Detached five-bay two-storey red brick charitable building, built 1816. Rectangular-plan, west gable formed into pediment, identical building to north linked by formal entrance gateway to north-west, forming self-contained complex, single-storey lean-to outbuilding to east. Pitched slate roof, brick chimneystacks, cast-iron and replacement uPVC rainwater goods. Red brick walling laid in Flemish bond to north and west elevations, semi-circular niche to west gable, cut limestone trim to both niche and pediment; roughcast-rendered walling to east elevation; exposed rubble stone walling to south elevation. Square-headed window openings, painted patent smooth rendered reveals, painted stone sills, uPVC casements. Square-headed door openings, painted patent smooth rendered reveals, plain-glazed overlights, painted timber and glazed doors, accessed by limestone steps. Fronts onto private courtyard, shared by opposite range, west gables and entrance gate forming formal façade fronting onto small open square at junction of Magdalene Street and Fair Street.

This building forms an integral part of a formally planned complex whose west elevations and entrance gate combine to form a handsome Classical façade, which is a notable point of architectural interest in the streetscape. Its function as a Charitable Home is of social interest and is typical of architectural developments in the increasingly philanthropic nineteenth century. Saint John's Home forms a very attractive addition to the streetscape.