LISTED BUILDING · NHLE 1270334
Hester Clark Almshouses and attached wall and piers
Hester Clark Almshouses and attached wall and piers, Leominster
Almshouses founded in about 1735 and rebuilt in 1874 to designs by Haddon. The four-unit, single-storey range is built in yellow brick with ashlar detailing, a tiled roof and a richly detailed central gable.
Dates and uses reflect the source records and may not describe the building today.
No photograph currently published
Designation information
Inclusion in the National Heritage List for England confirms that this is a designated heritage asset of national special architectural or historic interest.
People and businesses through time
HISTORICAL ADDRESS RECORD
Through time, Hester Clark Almshouses and attached wall and piers
1 of 6, Founded in about 1735
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About these records
6 historical addresses linked to this NHLE entry. Directory entries can describe a workplace or premises use rather than a residence.
- Almshouses, Bargates, Leominster
- Almshouses, Bargates, No. 1, Leominster
- Almshouses, Bargates, No. 2, Leominster
- Almshouses, Bargates, No. 3, Leominster
- Almshouses, Bargates, No. 4, Leominster
- Hester Clarke's Almshouses, Bargates, Leominster
Founded in about 1735
ConstructionBuilding construction
Estimated date recorded by the current NHLE building entry.
SourceNational Heritage List for England, NHLE 1270334
Estimated construction date drawn from the NHLE list summary.
Architectural evidence and features
These descriptions relate to particular parts of the building at the date of each source. They may not reflect its use or condition today. Unconfirmed features remain open questions.
Evidence reviewed 13 September 2026.
Documented type / function
- Four almshouses with attached boundary wall and piers; former Hospital name denotes almshouses
Principal identity with historical and subsidiary uses explicitly separated
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Documented phases
- Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Source-specific phases, not administrative dates
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
External wall material
- Yellow brick
Almshouses and front wall
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Other materials / details
- Ashlar stone
Building detailing, entrance arches and pier capitals
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Polychrome brick
Tympanum and door arches
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Blue brick
Boundary wall coping
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Coloured leaded glass
Upper window lights
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Roof covering
- Plain tile
Almshouses
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Chimneys
- Brick
Circular end stacks and decorated twin central stack
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Architectural features
- Mullion and transom sash windows
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Ogee-headed central windows
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Dutch gable
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Enriched niche with figure
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Inscribed tablets
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Round-headed nine-panel doors
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Semicircular vestibule arches
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Keyblocks
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Enriched imposts
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Boundary piers and ball finials
Only named component/phase in term and supporting description
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
- Twin 20th century casements
Vestibules only
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements
Supported with qualification
Source and context
Historic England, NHLE entry 1270334
Applies to the named part at the source date, with the uncertainty stated. Current use and survival today have not been confirmed.
Research notes and uncertainties
Component, chronology and current verification: Foundation date not standing fabric date. Hospital name not medical hospital. Wall features separate from building. Current use/survival not independently verified for September2026.
Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements [Source-specific phases, not administrative dates; Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; 20th century vestibule casements] Source chronology, administrative and reused-material dates separated. Foundation date not standing fabric date. Hospital name not medical hospital. Wall features separate from building.
Explore records with these reviewed features. Results may concern only part of a listed group and retain their source-date qualifications.
How this record is evidenced
The designation, listing date and statutory description are drawn from Historic England, NHLE 1270334.
The concise summary and searchable feature tags have been prepared by Leominster Heritage and are kept separate from the statutory wording.
The open questions below identify evidence that has not yet been securely established.
Map location
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Hester Clark Almshouses and attached wall and piers
Grade II · Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; C20 vestibule casements [Source-specific phases, not administrative dates; Foundationcirca1735; standing fabric rebuilt1874 byHaddon withSmith builder; C20 vestibule casements] · This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 17 January 2023 to update the name and address, remove superfluous source details from text and reformat the text to current standards SO4959 808-1/1/10 LEOMINSTER BARGATES (South side) Hester Clark Amshouses (Nos 1-4) and attached wall and piers (Formerly listed as Clark's Hospital and attached wall and piers) GV II Almshouses. c1735 foundation, rebuilt 1874. By Haddon. Yellow brick with ashlar detailing; plain tile roof with central gable; two circular brick end stacks and decorated twin central stack. Four unit plan. EXTERIOR: single storey; four-window range: three-light ashlar mullion and transom windows with sashes with coloured leaded upper lights; two central windows have ogee heads under moulded hoods, polychrome brick tympanum, and "Dutch" gable with enriched niche containing figure, and tablet "He that gives away all before he is Dead, Let em take this Hatchet and knock him on ye head". Entrances flank central windows: moulded semicircular ashlar arches with keyblocks and enriched imposts, to vestibules with twin C20 casements and, to left and right, round-headed nine-panel doors in beaded cases under polychrome brick semicircular arches. INTERIORS not inspected. Fronting wall of yellow brick with blue brick coping, and piers with moulded ashlar capitals; ball finials. Tablet records foundation by Hester Clark, 1735, and rebuilding by subscription in 1874 (Haddon, Architect; Smith, Builder).
Almshouses founded in about 1735 and rebuilt in 1874 to designs by Haddon. The four-unit, single-storey range is built in yellow brick with ashlar detailing, a tiled roof and a richly detailed central gable.
Current survey photographs
No public survey photograph is currently linked to this place.
Contribute a photographDocumentary evidence
Historic England
Official list description
Original NHLE location reference
This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 17 January 2023 to update the name and address, remove superfluous source details from text and reformat the text to current standards SO4959 808-1/1/10 LEOMINSTER BARGATES (South side) Hester Clark Amshouses (Nos 1-4) and attached wall and piers (Formerly listed as Clark's Hospital and attached wall and piers) GV II Almshouses. c1735 foundation, rebuilt 1874. By Haddon. Yellow brick with ashlar detailing; plain tile roof with central gable; two circular brick end stacks and decorated twin central stack. Four unit plan. EXTERIOR: single storey; four-window range: three-light ashlar mullion and transom windows with sashes with coloured leaded upper lights; two central windows have ogee heads under moulded hoods, polychrome brick tympanum, and "Dutch" gable with enriched niche containing figure, and tablet "He that gives away all before he is Dead, Let em take this Hatchet and knock him on ye head". Entrances flank central windows: moulded semicircular ashlar arches with keyblocks and enriched imposts, to vestibules with twin C20 casements and, to left and right, round-headed nine-panel doors in beaded cases under polychrome brick semicircular arches. INTERIORS not inspected. Fronting wall of yellow brick with blue brick coping, and piers with moulded ashlar capitals; ball finials. Tablet records foundation by Hester Clark, 1735, and rebuilding by subscription in 1874 (Haddon, Architect; Smith, Builder).
This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 17 January 2023 to update the name and address, remove superfluous source details from text and reformat the text to current standards SO4959 808-1/1/10 LEOMINSTER BARGATES (South side) Hester Clark Amshouses (Nos 1-4) and attached wall and piers (Formerly listed as Clark's Hospital and attached wall and piers) GV II Almshouses. c1735 foundation, rebuilt 1874. By Haddon. Yellow brick with ashlar detailing; plain tile roof with central gable; two circular brick end stacks and decorated twin central stack. Four unit plan. EXTERIOR: single storey; four-window range: three-light ashlar mullion and transom windows with sashes with coloured leaded upper lights; two central windows have ogee heads under moulded hoods, polychrome brick tympanum, and "Dutch" gable with enriched niche containing figure, and tablet "He that gives away all before he is Dead, Let em take this Hatchet and knock him on ye head". Entrances flank central windows: moulded semicircular ashlar arches with keyblocks and enriched imposts, to vestibules with twin C20 casements and, to left and right, round-headed nine-panel doors in beaded cases under polychrome brick semicircular arches. INTERIORS not inspected. Fronting wall of yellow brick with blue brick coping, and piers with moulded ashlar capitals; ball finials. Tablet records foundation by Hester Clark, 1735, and rebuilding by subscription in 1874 (Haddon, Architect; Smith, Builder). Listing NGR: SO4927859009
Sources and further reading
Open questions
- What evidence can establish the sequence and date of the building’s principal alterations?
- Which materials and architectural features can be confirmed by a dated site survey?
- Can a current photograph be added to record the public elevations and visible historic fabric?
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