The Hospital Of St Cross
The Hospital of St Cross is a historic almshouse in Winchester, England, that dates back to the 12th century. It was founded by Henry of Blois, the grandson of William the Conqueror, as a charitable institution for poor and elderly men. The Hospital of St Cross consists of a complex of medieval buildings, including a Norman church, a 14th-century hall, a 15th-century gatehouse, and a 19th-century chapel. The Hospital of St Cross is open to visitors who can explore its tranquil grounds and admire its architecture. It also hosts weddings, events, and baptisms in its beautiful setting. The Hospital of St Cross is one of England's oldest and most perfect almshouses.
The Hospital still provides accommodation for a total of 25 elderly men, known as "The Brothers", under the care of "The Master". They belong to either of two charitable foundations: those belonging to the Order of the Hospital of St Cross (founded around 1132) wear black trencher hats and black robes with a silver badge in the shape of a cross potent, while those belonging to the Order of Noble Poverty (founded in 1445) wear claret trencher hats and claret robes with a silver cardinal's badge in memory of Cardinal Beaufort. They are often referred to as the "Black Brothers" and the "Red Brothers". Brothers must be single, widowed or divorced, and over 60 years of age. Preference is given to those in most need. They are expected to wear their robes and attend daily morning prayers (Matins) in the Chapel.
The Hospital continues an ancient tradition in the "Wayfarer's Dole", which consists of a small horn cup of ale and a piece of bread. The dole was started by a Cluniac monk and can be obtained by anyone who asks at the Porter's Lodge.
This view is from St Catherine's Hill which is a chalk downland hill and a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is located on the outskirts of Winchester and it offers fantastic views over the city and the Itchen Valley. The hill is owned by Winchester College but open to the public, and it is managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The hill is rich in history and wildlife, as it is topped by an Iron Age hillfort, a scheduled monument, and home to 25 species of breeding butterflies. The hill also contains the ruins of a Norman chapel, this mizmaze, and plague pits from the 14th century.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_of_St_Cross
The Hospital Of St Cross
The Hospital of St Cross is a historic almshouse in Winchester, England, that dates back to the 12th century. It was founded by Henry of Blois, the grandson of William the Conqueror, as a charitable institution for poor and elderly men. The Hospital of St Cross consists of a complex of medieval buildings, including a Norman church, a 14th-century hall, a 15th-century gatehouse, and a 19th-century chapel. The Hospital of St Cross is open to visitors who can explore its tranquil grounds and admire its architecture. It also hosts weddings, events, and baptisms in its beautiful setting. The Hospital of St Cross is one of England's oldest and most perfect almshouses.
The Hospital still provides accommodation for a total of 25 elderly men, known as "The Brothers", under the care of "The Master". They belong to either of two charitable foundations: those belonging to the Order of the Hospital of St Cross (founded around 1132) wear black trencher hats and black robes with a silver badge in the shape of a cross potent, while those belonging to the Order of Noble Poverty (founded in 1445) wear claret trencher hats and claret robes with a silver cardinal's badge in memory of Cardinal Beaufort. They are often referred to as the "Black Brothers" and the "Red Brothers". Brothers must be single, widowed or divorced, and over 60 years of age. Preference is given to those in most need. They are expected to wear their robes and attend daily morning prayers (Matins) in the Chapel.
The Hospital continues an ancient tradition in the "Wayfarer's Dole", which consists of a small horn cup of ale and a piece of bread. The dole was started by a Cluniac monk and can be obtained by anyone who asks at the Porter's Lodge.
This view is from St Catherine's Hill which is a chalk downland hill and a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is located on the outskirts of Winchester and it offers fantastic views over the city and the Itchen Valley. The hill is owned by Winchester College but open to the public, and it is managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. The hill is rich in history and wildlife, as it is topped by an Iron Age hillfort, a scheduled monument, and home to 25 species of breeding butterflies. The hill also contains the ruins of a Norman chapel, this mizmaze, and plague pits from the 14th century.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_of_St_Cross