A RANGE of seven historic tenements in Ross-on-Wye are set to be restored to ensure their continued contribution to the character of the town.

The Webbe s Almshouses in Copse Cross Street were built in 1612 thanks to Thomas Webbe, a successful carpenter, who endowed the seven tenements to house seven people in Ross but in all likelihood, it became home to seven families.

And now the owner of the Grade II listed building is seeking permission from Herefordshire Council to carry out restoration works to the principal facade of the almshouses and pavement. The building was last restored in 1963.

The application states that the proposed repair works will respect the historic significance of the terrace by using materials and methods appropriate to the building’s age and construction.

The scope of works is intentionally sensitive, limited to essential maintenance and the removal of inappropriate later alterations.

Rhys Bennett of RRA Architects, the agent for the applicant, explained that these proposals will enhance the building’s architectural character, improve its condition, and secure its long-term future.

Mr Bennett added: “In doing so, they will allow Webbe’s Almshouses to remain a prominent reminder of early 17th-century philanthropy, ensuring that their historic and communal value is sustained for future generations.”

Almshouses were central to local poor relief post-Reformation during the late 16th century with the Webbe building exhibiting fine early Stuart craftsmanship in stone.

The pointed leaded windows, arched doorways, and well-preserved roof structure contribute to its architectural distinction. As a largely intact example of a small-scale almshouse, it retains strong aesthetic presence and period character.

This building, along with the Tudor-fronted Rudhall Almshouses in Church Street, retain their mediaeval street plans and burgage plots.

The application states that all existing leadwork will be renewed as part of the wider repair works. And where lead abuts stone or brickwork, it shall be neatly chased into mortar joints before being pointed using lime mortar.

All existing ridge tiles will be carefully inspected for signs of cracking, displacement, or loss of bedding. Any ridge tiles found to be damaged, loose, or missing will be removed and replaced with salvaged tiles to match the existing.

● Thomas Webbe, in his will of 13th July 1612, gave £800 to be allocated as £100 to purchase and erect a 'fit house, soil and place of habitation within the said Borough for seven poor people, each of them to have a several chamber, and a chimney in every chamber', with the remaining £700 to be invested to provide an annual income of £35 'for ever, for the payment of £5 apiece for each of the said seven poor people'.

Mr Webbe also gave sums of £10 to 12 Herefordshire Parishes, 'for the relief and succour of the poor people of the Borough and Parish of Ross' and left £200 to free the tolls formerly levied on users of Wilton Bridge.

A blue plaque dedicated to Thomas Webbe was erected on the building in 1985 as part of the mayor’s project to highlight the town’s benefactors.