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Summary

Williams almshouses were founded in 1631. The last remaining structures were recently demolished.

Protected Status: None recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Primary Record No. (1985-2009): 25245
• SMR No. (OS Quarter-sheet and SMR No.): SW84NW 36

Monument Type(s):

• ALMSHOUSE (17th Century - 1601 AD to 1700 AD)

Full description

The surviving stone inscription from the gateway to Williams almshouses records that this hospital was founded in 1631. It housed ten poor women. The low buildings enclosed a square court. The last remaining structures were demolished in 1980. One of the two foundation stones that were displayed over the entrance can now be found in the garden of the bungalows on Union Street; a memorial to Henry Williams, which originally stood within the courtyard at the almshouse, was recovered from a rubbish tip following demolition and moved to the roundabout at Dairyland near Newquay (3). It has recently been moved to William Court on Union Street next to the remains of the archway of the almshouses (4).

<1> Sheppard, PA, 1980, The Historic Towns of Cornwall, 25 (Report). SCO4422.

<2> Truro Buildings Research Group, 1985, River Street and its Neighbourhood, p9 (Booklet). SCO27600.

<3> South West Archaeology, 2019, Pydar Quarter (Report). SCO28756.

<4> Truro City Council, 2025, The Henry Williams Almshouses Obelisk Returns to Truro (Website). SCO32278.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• ECO5316 - Pydar Quarter (Ref: 190301)

Related records

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