GARDENS
COLLEGE GREEN
The inspiring history and gardens of the womenonly 19th century almshouse, Partis College By Nick Woodhouse
B
ath never fails to keep you on your toes. However well you feel you may know the city, it has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. From the hills to the city’s south, I recently spotted a building across the valley that I had not seen before. Set in landscaped gardens, a majestic Georgian property ran to three sides of a quadrangle, its centrepiece akin to a columned Greek temple. A little research revealed it to be Partis College; one of the few women-only almshouses in the country. The college was the brainchild of philanthropists Fletcher and Ann Partis, who in 1820 purchased a site on Newbridge Hill on which to build a series of houses for elder gentlewomen who otherwise faced poverty and homelessness. Six weeks after they bought the land, Fletcher died, leaving Ann to drive their vision forward. Through her dedication, Partis College was founded five years later, soon to offer a collection of 30 intricate townhouses, complete with a chapel and gatekeeper’s lodge. A space for women, made by women. The new college received hundreds of applicants, each of whom had to adhere to certain criteria. They had to be members of the Church of England, the widow or daughter of clergy or gentlemen, and to have their own maid, then a sign of gentility. Today, no maids are required but the Grade I listed building continues to welcome women who have faced difficulty, offering affordable accommodation in a secure, safe environment.
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During my research into this fascinating place, I stumbled across a series of exquisite watercolours of the gardens of the College. They were by Canadian artist and professor Cynthia Hammond, who had also spotted Partis College by chance, and was also instantly enthralled. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Cynthia’s family would occasionally visit her godmother in Devon, and it was here that Cynthia started an enduring affection for the south of England. Sometime later in 1991, her twin sister Penelope moved to England for six months, visiting Bath. Cynthia would receive
Canadian artist and professor Cynthia Hammond
“A space for women, made by women”
the most captivating letters and postcards from Penelope, recounting her travels, of the magical places she had visited. The sisters made a pact that one day soon they would visit these same places, together. The next year, they did just that. Cynthia remembers her first glimpse of Bath from the train; “I saw the high green hills, all that wonderful, pale gold Bath stone, and the Georgian terraces. It was like falling in love at first sight. My sister told me later that she’d never seen that look on my face before, as if I were very young and very old at the same time.” Such was her new-found love for the Bath’s architecture and history that on graduating from art school in Hamilton the following year, Cynthia focused her painting practice on the city. A series of works on Bath followed, including performance art and temporary installations in the city. When visiting in 2013, Cynthia saw a notice inviting the public to Partis College as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival. This was the first time Cynthia had heard of the College, but she knew she had to go. Cynthia still recalls the open day with affection; “It was a beautiful event. Many people were dressed up in18thcentury garb, as can only happen in Bath. Visitors to the College were able to see the whole ensemble, tour the gardens at the back, see the chapel and, wonderfully, one of the houses was open to visitors. Many of the residents were on hand to speak with us.” It was however the private gardens of the residents that really caught Cynthia’s imagination. These spaces, Cynthia explains, were a marvellous contrast to the College’s