Passing through the quieter side-streets, in what is evidently the purlieu of Winchester School, where not even a post box seems to have changed much since Victorian times, one comes eventually to a path that runs through lush watermeadows:
Soon another venerable church comes into view, the church of an equally venerable institution.Its grand official title is the
Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty:
Almshouses were a mediaeval version of a retirement community rather than a monastic order, and this one is home still to 25 lay "Brothers". They are expected to attend the church in the prescribed gown, but otherwise live independent lives; fortunately the 15th-century buildings have been adapted into self-contained flats.
Though a 19th century furore over its management was probably the inspiration for Anthony Trollope's The Warden, it's as quiet today as you might expect - given that (not surprisngly) the non-residential buildings and the gardens attract visitors and bookings for private events, with evident signs of preparation for a wedding in the church when I was there.
Though a 19th century furore over its management was probably the inspiration for Anthony Trollope's The Warden, it's as quiet today as you might expect - given that (not surprisngly) the non-residential buildings and the gardens attract visitors and bookings for private events, with evident signs of preparation for a wedding in the church when I was there.
I have really enjoyed this Tale of 2 cities series. You take such good photos. I hope you will continue with other travel photo memories. It helps to open up the horizons while in lockdown. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. I haven't quite finished digitising all the old photos, but there may be a fair few worth reviving from those that have been done. WHere next, I wonder - Canada? Greece?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your posts on Winchester. My mother was stationed there during the war and we went there together for her hundredth birthday, celebrating by pushing her wheelchair out to St. Cross for the Dole!
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