Wynard's Hospital

Wynard's Hospital is composed of twelve two-storey almshouses (now private dwellings) and a chapel, all built of Heavitree stone, around a cobbled courtyard.^[2] Entrance to the courtyard from the road is through a central Gothic arch.^[2]

Pevsner described Ashworth's work as having restored Wynard's Hospital 'to a picturesque medieval appearance', and noted 'their aesthetic appeal'.^[1]

The almshouses and chapel were endowed by William Wynard, Recorder of Exeter between 1404 and 1442.^[3] It has been suggested some of his wealth came from the proceeds of piracy.^[4]

Wynard's Hospital was restored in the 17th century after taking damage in the Civil War, and again in 1863 by Edward Ashworth.^[3] By 1929, the provision for the poor at Wynard's Hospital had become known as 'one of the ancient customs' of Exeter.^[5]

In 1973, Wynard's Hospital was restored for use as offices for Exeter City Council, having narrowly escaped demolition in the 1960s.^[6][3] Over the following two decades, Wynard's Hospital housed Marriage Guidance, Samaritans, Citizens Advice Bureau, the Council for Alcoholism, Pre-School Playgroups, Tapes for the Handicapped and the Young People's Counselling Service.^[7] In 2001, they were sold by the council and converted for use as private dwellings before being sold on the open market.^[8][9]