George Newman was born at Whippingham, on the Isle of Wight c1796. In 1851 he was a lodger with William Brown, tailor, and family. Living next door to them was Ann Brown, a widow, and her 'afflicted' daughter. George's will was proved in the PCC court in September 1855.
The stones above the lower windows are inscribed:-
Newman’s Charity The Trustees of the will of the late Mr George Newman of Higham Ferrers, are directed with and out of the funds bequeathed to them, to hire and provide from time to time suitable cottages or Alms houses or a suitable cottage or Alms house, for the residence of six old women either widows or spinsters, inhabitants of the Parish of Higham Ferrers, and to pay to each of such persons the sum of eight shillings per week for ever.
The Corporation of Higham Ferrers have erected these houses, for the purposes of the Charity, the foundation stone having been laid on the 25th day of June A.D. 1866, by Henry Greene Esq. Senior Alderman in the Corporation.
Rushden Echo, 8th October 1909, transcribed by Peter Brown
Newman’s Charity – At a meeting of the trustees of this charity on Monday at the Town Hall, Jane Seamark, who is 78 years of age and has lived in the borough for about 60 years, was appointed tenant of one of the almshouses, which had fallen vacant. A sum of 8s a week goes with the appointment.
