If you ask for the 'wayfarer's dole' at the Porter's Lodge of the Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty in Winchester, this is what you will be given.
The tradition started 900 years ago under the Foundation of Henry of Blois (grandson of William the Conqueror) when the Hospital was required to provide a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine - the dole - to travellers.
I went to St Cross yesterday with my camera and plan to post more photos and history.
It's pouring with rain here this morning so I'm happy to have a little stash of photos!
Yes you only get if you ask! But my beaker of ale was pretend as I don't like it, plus was driving. Ray wants to come next time as it's Fuller's which he really likes! In the summer apparently, 'certain gentlemen' come to get their breakfast - it is not allowed to refuse anyone.
Nancy, I don't know and wondering that myself. It's possible to have a guided tour when I'm sure I could ask but you need 5 people for that and Ray and I would only make two. Any takers?! I'll let youknow if I find out the answer.
I have a new piece of software called FastStone - it's free to download. You are just asked for a modest one-off donation initially. I think it has everything on it that I will ever need for processing etc etc.
Yes you only get if you ask! But my beaker of ale was pretend as I don't like it, plus was driving. Ray wants to come next time as it's Fuller's which he really likes! In the summer apparently, 'certain gentlemen' come to get their breakfast - it is not allowed to refuse anyone.
Nancy, I don't know and wondering that myself. It's possible to have a guided tour when I'm sure I could ask but you need 5 people for that and Ray and I would only make two. Any takers?! I'll let youknow if I find out the answer.
p.s. not too many people ask apparently through embarrassment - I used my camera as my excuse!
I have a new piece of software called FastStone - it's free to download. You are just asked for a modest one-off donation initially. I think it has everything on it that I will ever need for processing etc etc.
You made me laugh Skip. I understand the ale is of best quality - but the morsel of bread is just that.
Apparently yes, it did.
Ray did a bit of research on your behalf and found that this appears to be a cross potent. You can just see it again on the silver badge worn here on the red robe http://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/365/2014-04-03
and here is some info - (scroll down the alphabetical list) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross