When people were kind to strangers

(not including rogues)

Another little venture into my pocket-tour of Rochester High Street

Richard Watts Esq.
By his will dated 22nd August 1579.
Founded this charity.
For six poor travellers, who not being rogues, or proctors, may receive gratis for one night, lodging, entertainment and four pence each, in testimony of his munificence, in honour of his memory, and inducement to his example . . .
The next 3 or 4 lines have been amended with stone correction fluid and I cannot decipher them.

Richard Watts died in 1579, his widow, Mary, then married Thomas Pagitt. As far as I can make out, Thomas Pagitt assured the continuation of the charity in 1586 . He died in 1589.

Mary, having survived two charitable husbands, died in 1599.

In 1836 the charitable trustees of the City and Borough of Rochester appointed the Lord High Chancellor to execute the charity.

After 400 years Richard Watts Charities continue to provide almshouses locally, though perhaps not to travellers, perhaps not limited to a single night, perhaps not limited to six individuals, perhaps not including entertainment and probably not including fourpence.

What a marvellous era - when the astronomically wealthy bequeathed their wealth to good causes.
Why might anyone prefer an equestrian statue?