The Grade II* Listed almshouses were built in 1720, using a £700 endowment left by the former Mayor of Lancaster; one of the main streets also bears his name.
I mentioned the local planning regulations earlier; presumably the ugly telephone exchange in the background was approved before such regulations were devised, or was exempt. It's a pity that such a photogenic foreground is ruined by its surroundings – this would make an acceptable postcard, but one would need to replace the background.
The stone building with the bellcote is a chapel, occasionally opened to the public.