Almshouses, almshouses in Stydd, Ribchester, Lancashire, England, UK
The Almshouses in Ribchester are a row of residential buildings made of sandstone and brick, completed in 1728, with two stories arranged in five sections. The front features a distinctive arcade with three semicircular arches at ground level, sliding sash windows in the outer bays, and a slate roof topped with a gabled end.
The landowner John Shireburn left money in his will to build these houses as a way to support five poor people in need. The building was completed in 1728 and is now protected as a Grade II* Listed Building for its historical importance.
The buildings take their name from their purpose as homes for the poor and show through their plain design the modesty of life in earlier times. They reflect a tradition of community care that continues to shape how locals view their village today.
The building is located on Stydd Lane in a quiet garden setting, easily accessible for visitors exploring historic Ribchester. The site is ideal for a casual walk to view the exterior architecture, particularly the distinctive arcade on the front of the building.
The arcade with its three arches on the front is an unexpected architectural feature for an almshouse and has made the building a favorite in photographs. This elegant detail suggests that the builder valued dignity and beauty even for residents living in modest circumstances.
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