The Townhouse

The Townhouse is a three-story building with a symmetrical Classical facade, five bays, and a central portico supported by Doric columns. It functions today as student accommodation, primarily hosting Hull University students since 2011.

Built in 1846 for Sir James Alderson, Queen Victoria's physician, the structure later became the Methodist Church Institute. By around 1900, it had grown to house roughly 1,400 members and played an important role in the city's religious community.

The building displays original architectural details, including a cantilevered stone staircase with decorative iron brackets that reflect 19th-century craftsmanship. Visitors can observe these handcrafted elements throughout their visit, showing the care that builders invested in the structure.

The building is located on Albion Street in central Kingston upon Hull and is easily reached on foot. Since it functions as active student housing, visits may be limited and should ideally be arranged in advance.

The basement incorporates fireproof construction methods similar to those found in 19th-century textile mills, showing how industrial techniques were applied to private buildings. This hidden technical detail reveals much about the engineering innovations of the era.

Location: City of Kingston upon Hull

Inception: 1846

GPS coordinates: 53.74677,-0.34268

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12