Hospital of St Cross

Founded just 65 years after the Norman invasion, The Hospital of St Cross was first conceived by the grandson of William the Conqueror, Henri de Blois. Blois was a young French monk and nobleman who later became (amongst many things), the Bishop of Winchester. In 1132, de Blois founded the hospital to house 13 frail men unable to work; as well as feed 100 men at the gates daily. Since then the site has grown throughout the medieval era, and remains a magnificent Christian Almshouse for elderly men to this day. 'The Hospital' (the origin of hospitality), welcomes visitors to it's magnificent private Chapel of St Cross. and the rest of our public site. Modestly priced tickets are available at the Porter’s Lodge, where you can receive our famous & unique 'Wayfarers’ Dole' of bread and local ale. Then dine out on delicious Coffee and cake in our Hundred men's Hall Tearooms; explore our ancient Brethren's medieval hall and kitchens, walk along our Ambulatory, and then find peace and calm in our exquisite and restorative Master's garden.

Tea Room:
Please visit our delightful medieval tearooms: serving delicious cakes, scones, & coffee/tea/cold beverages; throughout the Summer Months.

Summer (1st April to 31st October):
Monday to Saturday 10:30 - 4:30pm (Open now all day!)
Sunday 2.30-4.30

Accessibility:

We have disabled toilets and allow guide dogs on site. There is disabled access into our Chapel through the Ambulatory:
We are delighted to announce we have a new disabled lift in place for access to our Brethren’s Hall.

By road:
The Hospital of St Cross is one mile south of Winchester city centre, midway between Junction 11 of the M3 and Winchester; behind the Bell Inn on St Cross Road.
From M3: Exit the motorway at junction 11. Follow the signs towards Winchester. From the B3335 (St Cross Road) turn right immediately after The Bell Inn, into our driveway called 'The Gravels'. Parking for visitors is along the right-hand of the 'The Gravels', tucked into our flint wall leading to The Hospital. There are spaces for up to 8 cars.

By foot:
To reach The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty by foot is a delightful walk of less than a mile from the City Centre; passing by the Cathedral, through the Cathedral Close, and ambling past Winchester College. Either enjoy the Dickensian walk of Kingsgate Road past College houses, their cricket grounds, and The Queen Inn; or take 'Keat's Walk path' through the beautiful water meadows alongside the River Itchen. The whole route is signposted.