But whenever they were erected, and whether by the persons above mentioned, exclusively, or by the gild at large, it is pretty evident that they became in no long time the property of that gild; and there is reason to believe that they continued so till the dissolution of the Monasteries, when all the gilds shared the same fate. At that time the property of this gild, as well as that of others still more opulent, fell probably into the hands of the corporation. For some reason, the _men’s_ almshouse was dissolved, but that of the _women_, or _Bedehouse_, as it was then, and is still called, was continued, under the patronage of that body. It does not clearly appear how many persons were originally maintained in these _two_ houses. But we learn that the _men’s_ house had in it _seven_ chambers, and the _women’s six_. Supposing therefore that but _one_ person occupied each chamber, the number between both houses would be _thirteen_; but if we suppose that _two_ were placed in each chamber, (as might be the case in those times; and more than two cannot be supposed;) then the whole number would be _twenty-six_. The question, however, is now immaterial, and requires no further attention. {1129} When the Bedehouse came into the hands of the corporation, it seems they divided each of the chambers into two, so as to make _twelve_, instead of _six_, as we find is still the case. This probably accounts for one half of them being without a fireplace, which is not likely to have been the case originally: and it has certainly been very inconvenient ever since to those who have occupied those chambers. It is therefore to be hoped, that when Mr. _Cook’s_ legacy is obtained, this inconvenience will be soon remedied. The number of occupants now, as well as for a long time past, is _twelve_: _eleven women_, and the _reader_; who is a sort of _chaplain_, reading prayers and guiding the devotion of the sisterhood, mornings and evenings. Till the last summer, (1811,) this house had been for some years in a very low state, and might be denominated the mansion of starvation, rather than the habitation of mercy and charity, or house of bread. The weekly allowance to each poor woman was only _thirty pence_ and _three farthings_!—a sad proof of the very low ebb to which the generosity and humanity of the patrons of the place had been reduced! At length however they awoke to a sense of the unseemliness of this mock charity, and very commendably added _another thirty pence_ to the weekly allowance of each inmate, or pensioner. This addition has materially benefitted them, and ameliorated their condition, and the present writer wishes he had it in his power to name the individual from whom it originated, who certainly has deserved well, not only of the poor pensioners themselves, but also of the community at large.