My eye was caught by this print of a massive late Georgian building in Bath yesterday in the market, and I read the inscription calling it 'Partis College'. I wondered if it was an architect's impression for a college which was never built, because in all the years I have been in Bath, I had never heard of it, let alone seen it.
From the position of Beckford's Tower on the skyline of the print, I knew exactly where it should be, but - like I said - I have never seen it.
I looked it up last night and discovered that it was built between 1825 - 1827 as almshouses exclusively for women. The amazing thing is that it still exists and is still a large almshouse - and still exclusively for women (see below).
I know that parts of Hampton Court Palace has - or had before burning down - a wing for an all-female almshouse, but the rooms were for well to do ladies who had fallen on hard times and whose plights had been brought to the attention of the Queen. I had no idea of the existence of Partis College!
Nice classic building, and nice stone too; it makes such a difference.
ReplyDeleteWell it's Bath stone, of course. What else would it be here. I am amazed at the grandeur of it though, especially as an almshouse.
DeleteWhat sort of ladies frequented it?
ReplyDeletePoor ones is all I know at the moment.
DeleteHang on - you didn't mean, 'laddies' did you Missus?
DeleteMight you be interested in some additional on site investigation of Partis College? I am curious, perhaps on my own in my curiosity.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
I will at some point.
DeleteThank you, Tom.
DeleteHard to miss, isn't it, Tom? It's a lovely place, altogether. In my hometown , one of the vicars arranged settings for the unfortunate young ladies of the last century. Nothing like this, but with much love and care involved. That building is hard to hide, I'm looking forward to more posts about it!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou would have thought so, but it seems to have hidden itself from me for the last 45 years. We too had more than one improvement centre for young ladies who had strayed off the straight and narrow path. I think we should bring them back...
DeleteHm, do you now? Well, while you are awaiting such an event I look forward to more history here!! But you have so many topics, we'll see what comes next!!
DeleteI'm moving into one of the houses at Partis College next week - sight unseen!It's for women over the age of 50. Look it up - the web address is partiscollege.com
ReplyDeleteThat was indeed amazing, so nice those beautiful buildings can be of good use!! Great to know.
ReplyDelete