Townsend's Almshouses

Situation
On the north side of Newland, Witney, just to the east of the junction with Broad Hill and Bridge Street.

History

Townsend's Almshouses, Newland - the inscription in the centre of the facade.

There are three sets of almshouses in Witney; these particular ones at Newland were intended for 'six aged, unmarried women'. They consisted of a single upstairs room with a living room and scullery downstairs and outdoor privies. They were updated somewhat in the 1950s [1]. They were paid for by William Townsend who was born in Witney, a descendant of the Ursula and William Townsend who kept the Staple Hall Inn during the 17th century [2]. He went on o become a very successful haberdasher (a seller of items of clothing and dress) in Holborn, London. William also provided funds for the Congregational Church in Witney [3].

Clare Sumner