Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester, Hampshire, England. A medieval monastery and almshouses.
Set in the water meadows alongside the River Itchen, below St Catherine's Hill is the unique Hospital of St Cross. The ancient medieval buildings that have provided food and shelter for hundreds of years. The 12th century church is worth a visit and you may meet one of the resident Brothers, in their black or red gown and trencher hat. An important piece of medieval and religious history, this impressive masterpiece is a significant part of the tapestry of modern day tourism. 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
Size: 4287px × 2848px
Location: St Cross, Winchester, Hampshire
Photo credit: © Paul Heinrich / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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