Building record 179/6 - Hospital and Chapel of St Lawrence, Welsh Row

<1> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, Vol 3, p.186, Harris B, 1980 (Book). SCH3556.

The Leper Hospital and Chapel of St Lawrence was in existence by 1260. It was perhaps founded by one of the Malbank dynasty (ie before 1160-70). By the mid 14th century the function of the hospital seems to have changed, in 1354 an inquisition found it ought to contain beds for three paupers

<2> Hall J, 1883, A History of the Town and Parish of Nantwich or Wich-Malbank in the County Palatine of Chester, p.53-4 (Book). SCH80.

Later references are to the 'free chapel' or 'chantry' suggesting it had ceased to function as a hospital. At some point it merged with the chapel of St James in Newhall, Acton. The chapel was dissolved in 1548 and the last chaplain Richard Wright continued to hold the site and the chapel in Newhall, plus 2 crofts & 2 salt houses. His widow married Richard Wilbraham who left money for the building of almshouses at Welsh Row Head in 1613, on or near site of hospital.

<3> Partridge J, 1774, An Historical Account of the Town and Parish of Nantwich, p.13 (Book). SCH251.

Partridge says that it was built on site where the malt house occupied by James Bayley stands.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, Smith D, 1960, SJ65SW14 (Index). SCH2487.

Malt house cottage is marked on present day Ordnance Survey maps. See 179/0/38

<5> Clay R M, 1910, Medieval Hospitals of England, p.282 (Monograph). SCH2155.