Wright's Almshouses, Nantwich, Historic almshouse in Nantwich, England
Wright's Almshouses is a terrace of six residential units built with red brick and stone dressings in a traditional style typical of caring institutions from that period. A decorative stone panel at the center displays heraldic arms and reflects the craftsmanship of the late 1600s.
Edmund Wright, who became Lord Mayor of London in 1640, founded these houses in 1638 to shelter six poor men aged 50 and over. The building was moved from London Road to Beam Street in 1975, where it continues to serve as supported housing.
The original deed specified strict requirements for residents, including mandatory church attendance and a preference for individuals bearing the surname Wright.
The site is located on Beam Street in the town center and remains easily visible from the street with its distinctive red brick and stone features. It is best visited on foot as it sits within a residential neighborhood.
The original deed imposed strict conditions on residents, notably mandatory church attendance and preference for those bearing the surname Wright. This link between family connection and charity reveals how early almshouses often reflected the personal legacies of their founders.
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