Academic Specials: Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty

On Monday a group of 30 students and 3 teachers walked along to River Itchen to the Hospital of St. Cross.  The Hospital, which is England's oldest continuing almshouse, comprises a group of medieval and Tudor buildings, including a medieval hall and tower, Tudor cloister, Norman church and gardens reflecting a seventeenth century connection with North America. The term "Hospital", in this context, has the same origin as "hospitality" and for over 850 years St Cross has provided food and shelter to people in need. It has been home to the Master and Brethren of St Cross since medieval times and today visitors can still receive the Wayfarer's Dole (a small beaker of beer and a morsel of bread).

The Discovery Summer group did not take the Wayfarer's Dole but we did enjoy wandering the beautiful site with a 'Black Brother' in traditional dress. Historically, the Hospital comprises two separate charitable foundations, which have since been merged. The Hospital of St Cross was founded in approximately 1132 by Bishop Henry bu Blois and the Brothers from this Foundation wear the black robes, black trencher hats and silver badges in the shape of the Cross of Jerusalem. The Order of Noble Poverty was founded in 1445 by Cardinal Henry Beaufort and these Brothers wear the claret robes, claret trencher hats and silver cardinal's badges. Brothers from the two foundations are often referred to as the Black Brothers or the Red Brothers