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THE HOSPITAL OF ST CROSS

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Photo Copyright Hampshire Chronicle - Hospital and Chapel of St. Cross. St. Cross Hospital, founded in 1136 by Henry de Biois, Bishop of Winchester. Church, transitional Norman C. 1 2/13, cruciform with massive central tower. Other buildings principally early C.15, enlarged during bishopric of Cardinal Beaufort. Entered from small court through entrance gate (C.14/15 detail). Main quadrangle with range of fourteen 2-storey almshouses, one tall shafted chimney to each. Hall with 2-light windows adjoins on west side the main gate tower, which has a range of buildings over a cloister on the east side, linking the tower with the church. Varying dates and rebuildings.

Set in open meadow land to the south of Winchester, the Hospital of St Cross was founded in the 1130´s by Bishop Henry of Blois for `thirteen poor men, feeble and so reduced in strength that they can scarcely or not at all support themselves without other aid´. The hospital was placed under the care of the Knights of St John, and the thirteen Brothers of this foundation still wear black gowns and a badge depicting the Jerusalem Cross.
St Cross Chapel and Lodgings

The Chapel was started in the 1160´s and retains much of its late Norman purity, despite being somewhat altered in the 14th and early 15th centuries. The number of Brethren was enlarged in the 15th century by Cardinal Beaufort, who provided for a second order of almsmen, the `Noble Order of Poverty´. Brethren of this order wear magenta gowns.
Brethren's Lodgings

The octagonal chimneys mark the Brethren´s lodgings, built about 1445 by Cardinal Beaufort.     On the East side of the Chapel may be seen a graveyard wherein are interred the remains of various Masters and Brethren. Apart from providing for the Brethren, Almsgiving is still practised in the form of the `Wayfarers Dole´. A piece of white bread and a cup of good beer or Ale may be obtained by knocking at the door of the Porters Lodge, and requesting the Dole.
Brethren's Lodgings and Chapel viewed from the road

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Chapel from the South - The single storey building with a tiled roof is the oldest part of the Hospital - Pre 12th Century.
Chapel viewed from river The Masters Lodge St Cross Mill - Now privately owned
Entrance Gate (16th Century) View across the Outer Quadrangle to the16th Century Outer Gate and the 14th Century Old Brewhouse (The site of the Hundred Mens Hall) The Outer Quadrangle showing Beaufort Tower, formerly part of the Master's Lodging.
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