Description:This photograph taken by Dr J.E.C. Peters in 1962 shows exposed timber-framing in Broad Street, Stafford, looking towards the junction with Chapel Street and Mount Street.
This is all that remained after the demolition of Rev. Robert Palmer Almshouses which had been built in 1658. The Rev. Palmer was Rector of St. Mary's Church. He endowed two almshouses in Smoakey Lane, now Martin Street, for the poor of Stafford in 1683. By the nineteenth century the buildings had been exchanged for the two cottages in Broad Street. The site is now occupied by Stafford College buildings.
In the distance on the left behind the gaslamp is No. 23 Mount Street, a Grade II listed building, which is known as St. Bernard’s House, formerly the Stafford Catholic Club. It has been occupied by various organisations over the years and currently (2026) used as offices by the Care Promise home care agency.