College of Matrons

Since the inauguration of the charity, the monetary limits have increased to reflect financial inflation. From the original six shillings a week paid to the first occupants, the yearly pension had risen to £40 (15 shillings a week) in 1833, and the qualifying limit of annual income for residency had risen to £20. At this time the number of applicants for residence in the almshouse was "not numerous". There was a change in administration of the college in 1869 whereby the number of matrons was reduced to eight, but could be increased to ten at the discretion of the governors. At this time the annual allowance was increased to no more than £60 per year, with a qualifying income of £50, and eligibility was extended to unmarried daughters of clergy ordained in the Salisbury or Exeter dioceses. There were eight matrons resident in 1907, the majority having their own income and some employing servants. In the 1930s and 1940s a scheme to raise the personal income limit was suggested but was declined by the Charity Commissioners as there were sufficient candidates within the £50 limit. In 1955 the personal limit to qualify as a resident was raised to £200.^[1]

As of 2013, the one-bedroom accommodation is available to any single, independent lady of at least 55 years of age living in the Salisbury area, with preference given to widows and unmarried daughters of clergy.^[3]

There is some uncertainty as to whether Christopher Wren designed the building.^[2][1] It is brick-built with stone window surrounds, stone quoins and red tiles. It has a central front with extended wings. A leaded-glass, lead domed roof lantern surmounted by a golden ball is positioned on the rear of the roof at the centre of the frontage. There are six diagonally-set stone chimney stacks. Above the porched main entrance, set in a roof-level gable end, is a brightly painted Royal Coat of Arms from the Stuart period, with drapes of fruit on each side. There is a garden area to the rear and some other smaller associated redbrick buildings. The building is fronted by a long narrow garden contained within an original brick, stone-topped wall with three iron gates, the central one flanked by stone pillars. The wall and gates are Grade I listed separately from the house.^[2] The building was extended and renovated in 1870.^[1]

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51°04′00″N 1°47′52″W / 51.066659°N 1.797729°W / 51.066659; -1.797729