Dorothy Wilson's Hospital
Dorothy Wilson, who died in 1717, left money for the establishment of an almshouse for ten poor women, and a school for twenty poor boys. This was set up in 1719, in her former house, on Walmgate, by the River Foss. The building was replaced in 1765, and rebuilt again in 1812, reusing some materials. In 1810, a schoolmaster's house was built behind the property. The school operated until 1895. In 1958, the building was modified to offer two-room flats, and it continues to operate as an almshouse. The building was grade II listed in 1954. In 2011, the charity operating it merged with the Ellen Wilson Hospital Charity, to form the Ellen and Dorothy Wilson Almshouse Charity.
The three-storey building is constructed of brick, and is five bays wide. An inscription above the door marks the rebuilding of 1812, while an inscription at second floor level commemorates the original establishment of the institution. The staircase has been rebuilt, but incorporates balusters from the original stairs. Several original doors to rooms and cupboards survive. In general, the building is plain and undecorated inside. The York Georgian Society describes it as "notable for its fine brickwork and elegant details such as chamfered quoins, arcaded arches, and a majestic cornice". The schoolmaster's house is of two storeys, with a central porch.
References
- ^ An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in City of York, Volume 5, Central. London: HMSO. 1981. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
- ^ "Archives of the Ellen Wilson Hospital Charity and the Dorothy Wilson Charity". Borthwick Institute for Archives. University of York. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
- ^ Historic England. "Dorothy Wilson's Hospital and attached cottage (1256398)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
- ^ "Dorothy Wilson's Hospital". York Georgian Society. Retrieved 13 December 2022.