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. 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. He went on to 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 .
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Isisbridge said:
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. 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. He went on to 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 .