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| The Brothers |
| Historically, the Hospital comprises two separate
charitable foundations, which have since been merged. The Hospital of
St Cross was founded in approximately 1132 by Bishop Henry bu Blois and
the Brothers from this Foundation wear the black robes, black trencher
hats and silver badges in the shape of the Cross of Jerusalem. The Order
of Noble Poverty was founded in 1445 by Cardinal Henry Beaufort and these
Brothers wear the claret robes, claret trencher hats and silver cardinal's
badges. Brothers from the two foundations are often referred to as the
Black Brothers or the Red Brothers. |
| St Cross has places for twenty five Brothers in
total, each of whom is allocated his own self-contained flat. The flats
date back to the fifteenth century and are all on the ground or first
floor. Typically, they comprise a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, shower
or wet-room and separate lavatory. The flats are unfurnished and each
Brother usually provides his own furniture. However, in cases of extreme
poverty the Hospital can sometimes help with the provision of some furniture
if required. |
| Becoming a Brother |
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