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| England's oldest and most
perfect almshouse - quote from England's
Thousand best Churches, by Simon Jenkins |
| Welcome to the Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse
of Noble Poverty |
| Nestled in the water meadows alongside the River
Itchen, in the shadow of St Catherine's Hill and only 20 minutes walk
from the centre of Winchester, lies the unique Hospital of St Cross.
Take a step back in history as you wander around the ancient medieval
buildings that have provided food and shelter for hundreds of years.
Rest for a while in the unique and peaceful Master's Garden. Visit the
12th century church and wonder at the decision to build such a large
and beautiful building for just a handful of lowly residents. With luck
during your visit you may even meet one of the resident Brothers, in
his black or red gown and trencher hat, on his way to Matins or weekly
Pay Parade - traditions that go back hundreds of years. |
| An important piece of medieval and religious history,
this impressive masterpiece is a significant part of the tapestry of
modern day tourism. It offers the discerning visitor a calm and contemplative
insight into an erstwhile tradition of communal care, customs and hospitality
- and exemplifies the peaceful co-existence of church and secular life
in bygone days. |
| The Hospital, which is England's oldest continuing
almshouse, comprises a group of grade I listed medieval and Tudor buildings,
including a medieval hall and tower, Tudor cloister, Norman church and
gardens reflecting a seventeenth century connection with North America.
The term "Hospital", in this context, has the same origin as "hospitality" and
for over 850 years St Cross has provided food and shelter to people in
need. It has been home to the Master and Brethren of St Cross since medieval
times and today visitors can still receive the Wayfarer's Dole (a small
beaker of beer and a morsel of bread). During summer months, further
refreshments are obtainable from the tearooms, situated in the "Hundred
Mens Hall", built on the site where, in ages past, up to a hundred
poor men received a daily ration of food. |
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