Listed Building: EDWARDS HOMES (467848)

WEYMOUTH SY6778SE RODWELL AVENUE 873-1/27/250 (North side) Edwards' Homes GV II Group of 8 almshouses. 1896. For Sir Henry Edwards. Broadmayne brick walling, Portland stone ashlar dressings, slate roof. STYLE: Tudor Revival. PLAN: a long central range in 7 bays, the central 3 slightly stepped forward and under a broad gable with central paired pinnacles, flanked by a single gabled bay brought forward at each end. EXTERIOR: 2 storeys, 3-light casements with flush stone mullions and transom have small square lights with cast-iron diagonal bars above plain lights with a horizontal bar near the top and bottom of each; in the bays flanking the central doorway the windows are returned with a very narrow single light, an early version of the C20 corner window. The central bay contains a pair of panelled part-glazed doors in a pointed segmental head with mouldings, under a 3-light window with stone apron and sundial, and a plaque with a coat of arms, all in a pointed arch with voussoirs carrying the inscription EDWARDS HOMES 1896, under a drip-course. Above are 2 blind stone slits with flush band above and below, and a stone finial. Brick buttresses with 2 offsets and octagonal stone pinnacles flank this central bay, and the gable to each side has 2 steps. The 2 bays each side of the centre also step forward slightly, and have coped gables to prominent kneelers. The end gables have the windows slightly brought forward, under a straight crenellated parapet within the gable with a stone string and moulded panel. In the internal angles are paired doors, and a further door central to the units each side of the middle unit. These doors are all the originals, including 3 vertical glazed panels plus built-in transom light, under a pointed arch over plain fanlight, and in flush quoins. All gables have coped verges, and the party walls are brought through the roof-slope to copings. There are large stacks at either end, and 4 ridge stacks, all brick with stone dressings. A rock-faced stone plinth, and cast-iron downpipes with decorative fixing cleats remain. The rear has 5 flat-roofed 2-storey additions. INTERIOR: one apartment inspected retained an original dogleg staircase with turned balusters and decorative newel, 4-panel doors with chamfer-stopped architraves, and picture rails. HISTORICAL NOTE: Sir Henry Edwards, MP for Weymouth from 1867 to 1885, was the donor of these almshouses, and of corresponding sets in Rodwell Road (qv) and James Street (qv). The designs are very inventive and striking, and this particular building is set out in the grand manner. Like the others, it has remained in institutional ownership, and consequently has retained its vigorous external character with no changes. Listing NGR: SY6768078345

Record last edited

Sep 28 2009 11:54AM