One of the oldest charities in Hull with a history spanning 300 years.

In 1698 Mrs. Ann Watson, the wife of Rev. Abraham Watson, and her mother bought shares in White House Farm which was situated in the area near Hull which is now called Stoneferry.  In 1709 Mrs Ann Watson became the sole owner of the property, where she lived until her death in May 1721.  Those who are familiar with the area of Stoneferry will know that there is a short street named after Ann Watson, which runs down to the River Hull.  It is believed that the White House and Farm, both now long gone, were situated immediately opposite Ann Watson Street.

Ann Watson in her will dated 17th October 1720, founded a charitable trust and furnishes us today with many interesting particulars relating to her houses, land, and other possessions.  In particular she bequeathed her farms, farm houses and lands to the Ministers and Church Wardens of Sutton, Hedon and Holy Trinity churches in Hull and their successors upon trust, to be appropriated to a College or dwelling for daughters of the clergy, ancient maids and for the teaching of children.

“The White House and Cow House and the Close it stood in were to be forever appropriated to a College or dwelling for clergy widows, clergy daughters, old maids and for a school for teaching children.  Any excess of profits was to be used for the better maintenance of the inmates and for procuring themselves to be carried on horseback to Church (when they could not otherwise go), to attend the opportunity of divine service and preaching there.”

“Ten girls, who could read, were to be taught by the School Dame to knit, spin and sew. The girls were to be poor inhabitants in need of

such assistance and were to help the ladies in their domestic affairs.  Each girl was to receive 2d per week.  The children were to go to Sutton Church on St. James’ Day and every Sunday to be catechised when there should be catechising.  The School Dame was to lead prayers on a Wednesday and Friday.  Each of the inmates was to receive £5 per annum.  

The said Dame to be paid £5 more”.

Clearly Mrs. Ann Watson, herself a devout Christian and a member of the Church of England, was committed to ensuring the young ladies of the College were likewise.

Ann Watson died in May 1721 and her appointed Trustees duly carried out her instructions.  Ann Watson’s White House and buildings were converted and used as a College or Hospital until 1762.  In 1814 the Trustees resolved to build a new almshouse in the village of Sutton.  The College almshouse was then constructed and remains to this day as a Grade II listed building which is maintained by the present Trustees.

There are eight trustees, three trustees are ex-officio (being the vicars of Sutton, Hedon and Hull Minster), one trustee is appointed by the Archbishop of York, one trustee is appointed by the Bishop of Hull and three trustees are appointed by the other existing trustees.  The charity is subject to oversight by the Charity Commission.