St. Catherine was the patron saint of Bath in the days when it was a clothmaking town. She was seen as a protectress of spinners. This almshouse was founded in the 15th century by wealthy clothmaker William Phillips, mayor and MP of Bath. Originally it stood on the other side of the lane, but was rebuilt on its present site in 1829. It is now amalgamated with the older institution of St John’s Hospital. Public access to the interior is rarely possible.
