The Secrets Of The Hospital Of St Cross | And Why There Are No Patients!

'The Secrets Of The Hospital Of St Cross | And Why There Are No Patients!'

History Hit's Alice Loxton explores the secrets of the Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester, England. St Cross isn't really a hospital at all, at least in the modern sense of the word. Instead, it's the oldest almshouse in England still in use for its original purpose and arguably the oldest charity in the country.

Although anyone can visit the site today, since its foundation, the charity has only catered for men. The main activity of the Hospital continues to be the provision of individual, private apartments for a living community of about twenty-five elderly men. Known as ‘Brothers’ they wear black or red gowns and a trencher hat for daily church and other formal occasions. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and are usually single, divorced or widowers.

Founded around the year 1132, the almshouse was set up by Henry of Blois to support thirteen poor men who were unable to work and to feed some 100 people who showed up at the gates every day. Over the centuries, many of those who lived here left their mark with graffiti and etchings - the place is covered in it!

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