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 paid for by William Townsend, who was born in Witney, a descendant of 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.