The Hospital of St Cross in Winchester

The Hospital of St Cross in Winchester


A carte-de-visiteshowing a view of the quadrangle at the Hospital of St Cross, a medieval almshouse at Winchester in Hampshire. Founded between 1133 and 1136, it is the oldest charitable institution in the United Kingdom. Not only is it the oldest but is also the largest medieval almshouse in Britain. Built on the scale of an Oxford or Cambridge college, Simon Jenkins described it as ‘England's oldest and most perfect almshouse’.

Although the Hospital still provides accommodation for a total of 25 elderly men, most of the buildings and grounds are open to the public throughout the year.

Photographer unidentified.

 


Code: 125649
© Paul Frecker 2024