Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The Penny Alms Houses, Lancaster

The Penny Alms Houses,
Lancaster,
Lancashire

A perfect example of 18th century alms houses, this example was erected in 1720, altered during the early 20th century, and restored to near perfect condition in 1974. The alms houses and the small chapel at the rear of the yard are surrounded by a rubble boundary wall. The whole consists of two ranges of six houses forming a narrow courtyard with a chapel at the West end.



The alms houses were funded and built by William Penny, who was at various times a Lancaster town council member and three times city mayor. When King Street was widened in the early part of the 20th century, two of the alms houses nearest the road were demolished, the chapel was shortened and two new alms houses were built nearer the chapel.

Old manor houses around the Kendal area.

 The Old Manor,
Clapham,
North Yorkshire

Hard to believe that this building is only Grade II listed....but it is, and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Clapham.




It was built in 1701 and consists of 2 storeys with a central porch. Above the porch is a set of pigeon holes (now blocked)and a beautifully hoodmoulded window. Above the door, there is another decorative hood mould with the initials W I and the date, 1701.

The Castle,
Yealand Conyers,
Lancashire

A strange name for a house....it's not a castle and bears no fortified characteristics. I guess its sheer presence may have prompted the name? The house dates from the late 17th century and is Grade II listed.


I can find no history regarding this beautful house, but if anything turns up, I'll make sure the website is updated.

Forest Hall
Near Kendal
Cumbria

Forest Hall can be found on the A6 about three miles North of Kendal. If this building is listed, I'm unable to find any information about it. I know that it's owned by the Levens Hall estate.


The link here Cumbria Hill Farming offers some great information on sheep farming on the surrounding fells, alongside with some brief details of the hall and its attached farm.

Ivy Fold,
Giggleswick
North Yorkshire

Formaly a vicarage to nearby St Alkelda, this beautiful building was built in 1669 (the left hand wing) with late 17th century and 20th century additions.



Above one of the doors, the intitials L A E and the date 1669 can be seen. This was for Anthony Lister, vicar of the church, and his wife Elizabeth.


Above another of the doors, the initials E A L and the date 1675. It's thought that these initials are those of Anthony's son.