Thursday 12th July - Otterbourne - Saint Cross Church

Thursday 12th July

Nice warm summer day

Otterbourne - Hospital of Saint Cross Church

Way in:

The interior of the church:

The Almshouse

This is one of the oldest oldest Almshouse in England. The Hospital was founded in the 1130s by Henri of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, a grandson of William the Conquerorand the brother of King Stephen.

The purpose of the Hospital was to provide accommodation for:-

"Thirteen poor men and so reduced in strength that they can scarcely, or not at all, support themselves without other aid"

In the 15th Century a second foundation, The Almshouse of Noble Poverty was added by another Bishop of Winchester, Cardinal Beaufort. Its purpose was to provide help for gentry who had fallen on hard times.Brothers belonging to the original Hospital foundation wore black gowns, while those who joined the Almshouse of Noble Poverty wore burgundy gowns, as they still do for daily mattins.

The Dole

Under the foundation of Henry of Blois the Hospital was required to provide a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine - the "dole" - to travellers. Over the years this gradually reduced to a cup of beer and a piece of bread.

The tradition continues: travellers may still claim their dole from the Porter. Anthony assured me that we could do the same, but when we visited the "Dole" was off - sadly!

The Lodgings for the brothers:-

At the back of the church were some beautiful gardens and quirky hedges:-