The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty...
...was founded in 1132 and is a living community of around 25 brothers. The meadows and park are owned by the hospital, and managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
The left pic shows the brothers' quarters and on the right is the entrance to St Cross. Some of you may have seen a brother I met in Winchester earlier in the year http://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/add-ins/2013-06-15
It does look like that or maybe one per apartment - each brother has his own apartment. To me, this Hospital and Almshouse is fascinating, a secular, not a religious organisation and Hospital refers to the shelter part of it as it is not a hospital for sick men.
It is a strange name, I agree and hard to think that this is not an order of monks or a religious organisation but a charity. I think it must be a very peaceful way to live!
We plan to go in next time when Jinks is not with us and have a tour and you can claim the 'wayfarer's dole' of a piece of bread and some ale.
I guess they were originally, Tracey, but not sure if they would be used now - I'll probably find out when we visit the interior on a guided tour.
It does look like that or maybe one per apartment - each brother has his own apartment. To me, this Hospital and Almshouse is fascinating, a secular, not a religious organisation and Hospital refers to the shelter part of it as it is not a hospital for sick men.
There may be a pic of the wayfarer's dole soon!
It is a strange name, I agree and hard to think that this is not an order of monks or a religious organisation but a charity. I think it must be a very peaceful way to live!