| Where: | Winchester, Hampshire - St Cross Hospital Porters Lodge off the B3335 |
| When: | Every day |
| Time: | Any time (but I expect you'll be most welcome during opening hours!) |
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty is one of the oldest charitable institutions in the UK and dates back to the early twelfth century; the Brethren of the almshouses still wear medieval-style uniforms in red or black (though I expect their accomodation is more luxurious today then at the foundation!). The Wayfarers Dole is given upon request to any traveller and consists of a small measure of beer and some bread – ask for it at the Porters Lodge.
Helpful Hints
The Hospital is open to the public (see link below) for a modest charge and souvenirs are also available.
Clik here for the website : http://www.stcross.f2s.com/index.htm
I visited Winchester today and walked beside the river to St. Cross. It is such a beautiful place. I asked for the dole in the little shop, and got a small piece of bread and a pottery cup of ale on a wooden trencher. I asked if it was always available. I was told that they were there all the time, but that there had to be someone around to give the dole to you, which rather implies that visiting during the opening hours is best!
Yes, and it means you can explore the grounds and buildings which are well worth seeing. It’s almost like going back in time…
Dear sir, I live in Glewstone near Ross-on-Wye. The small house we live in is called The Doles Site, could you throw any light on this name. On the road side end of the cottage there is a sea level mark carved into one of the stones in the wall. The Doles, Glewstone, Ross-on-Wye, hr9 6at.
Dear Roger,
I haven’t come across any recent references to charity dole near you, but I’d imagine that the site was either where one was given out, or else land that was used to grow produce to contribute towards an annual dole, as I’ve come across place name references elsewhere to land being named after something connected with one (like The Crawls at Tichborne for example or Bible Orchard at the Cambridgeshire St Ives). A good place to start researching it may be your local church as the parish was usually connected with historic administration of land bequeathed in this way in wills, and many churches still have plaques or tablets recording doles long after they’ve stopped actually being given out.
Hope you mange to throw some light upon it!
Best wishes,
Averil (Mrs!)
We finally went!
You have to directly ask for the Dole, you cannot ask ‘is it available’ or ‘who/where do I get it from’.
A wonderful experience
It’s amazing that I still goes on isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Averil