|
| Visiting St Cross |
| Visitors are invited to admire the wonderful architecture.
The Brethren's Hall is where the Brothers gathered and ate for several
centuries and almost all of the original features can be seen today:
the central hearth where a charcoal fire used to burn, the stairs leading
from the Master's lodging, the raised platform where he took his meals
and the fine musician's gallery above the entrance. The Brethren's Hall
is still used today by the Master and Brothers of St Cross to celebrate
special events and feast days. The Victorian kitchen, meat room and cellar
are also open for public viewing. |
| Outside, take a walk along the Tudor ambulatory
to visit the Compton gardens and the Master's garden. Enjoy a leisurely
stroll around the gardens or sit by the pond and enjoy the peaceful ambiance
that has been a feature of St Cross for so many centuries. |
| The Hospital of St Cross is famous for its unique
and ancient tradition of providing the Wayfarer's Dole - a horn of beer
and a morsel of bread to any visitors who request it. This tradition
was founded by a Cluniac monk whose holy order always gave bread and
wine to travellers and still continues today. Just ask at the Porter's
Lodge on your way out - and please stay long enough to buy a souvenir
or two in the Porter's Lodge shop. |
| Finally, before you leave why not enjoy a cup of
tea and home-made cake. The tearooms (open in summer months only) are
situated in the Hundred Mens Hall, where up to a hundred local men were
given food each day in mediaeval times. |
| Opening Times |
| Local places to stay |
|
|
