Williamson’s Callis

The building at 3 St. Peter’s Street dates from the early 17th century. It was adapted in the later 18th century and was known as Williamson’s Hospital, founded by George Williamson, a local grocer, in 1763.

The building was adapted to accommodate six poor widows, ‘as shall be as near to the age of 48 as shall be’. It is a one storey building with semi-attics. The 1851 census gives names of seven widows aged between 65 and 79 who lived in the building, three described as ‘school mistress’ or ‘governess’, one a monthly nurse and another a charwoman.

There are five shields above the door which presumably represent benefactors to the charity. The first floor east room contains early 17th century decorative plasterwork of elaborate but provincial character. The ceiling is divided into compartments, each of which contains conventional patterns including scrollwork, foliage, cherubs, human and animal heads and hippocampi. The wall decorations include vine trails and scenes showing a goose between foxes, a mouse between cats and a woman between men (possibly representing Susannah and the Elders). Behind the main single storey building is a two-storey building which was built in two stages during the 18th century, probably to provide almshouse accommodation.

This building is no longer an almshouse. It was sold and is now a private address.