The Arch leading to the Cloister of the Almshouse.

The Arch Leading to the Cloister of the old Almshouse from Richard III's Time.

We were walking through the marketplace at Stamford when we came upon a building with an archway. It was a rather grand old place overlooking the market street. It was founded in 1483 by a wealthy wool merchant named William Browne. It was later overseen by Lord Cecil Burghley of Queen Elizabeth I time. Inside, there was a plaque that said it was a place for alms - an almshouse. This was an old hospital from bygone times. 

This place was compelling. Carole and I decided to explore through the Norman arched doorway. It led to a cloister and across the lawn was an old residence that we observed through pillared arches. It was very picturesque. This old style hospital was for paupers who had no money and was founded during the reign of Richard III. Stamford is full of little delightful and historical things. We could only scratch the surface during our morning visit. 

The Almshouse with the small dome-spire right of Carole.