Back Street leading to St Cross Hospital and the water meadows.
The built-up area is low-lying, with a pleasant one-mile level walk into central Winchester that makes it attractive to the elderly. The main group of smaller terraced houses are in St Faith's Road, Clausentum Road and Cripstead Lane. A picturesque district of mixed housing fronts both sides of St Cross Road, Cripstead Lane and Back Street; much of this is at the back of the pavement. It is this housing that retains the "village" feel in spite of the traffic.
Sheltered Housing
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty has provided sheltered accommodation since about 1130, but with a markedly different character to other institutions. The Hospital is a major medieval national monument of distinction and its attraction to tourists is to some extent in conflict with the privacy of the brothers. Other nearby residential institutions and sheltered housing include St Cross Mede and The Grange; these are both conversions of large houses with substantial extensions. The main front of St Cross Mede has a bow fitted with curved sash windows with curved glass; this unusual feature closes the view along the lane called "The Gravels" when leaving the Hospital. This house is undistinguished but pleasant and it is fortunate that the development of this large site was restricted to the Mead Road frontage because this left some wooded land at a key point facing the entrance to the Hospital.
St Cross Village Winchester
St Cross Hospital Winchester. Nestled in the water meadows alongside the River Itchen, in the shadow of St Catherine's Hill and only 20 minutes walk from the centre of Winchester.
Nestled in the water meadows alongside the River Itchen, in the shadow of St Catherine's Hill and only 20 minutes walk from the centre of Winchester, lies the unique Village of St Cross. Take a step back in history as you wander around the ancient medieval buildings of St Cross Hospital that have provided food and shelter for hundreds of years. Rest for a while in the unique and peaceful Master's Garden. Visit the 12th century church and wonder at the decision to build such a large and beautiful building for just a handful of lowly residents. With luck during your visit you may even meet one of the resident Brothers, in his black or red gown and trencher hat, on his way to Matins or weekly Pay Parade - traditions that go back hundreds of years.
Out of one man's dream to help others who were starving
The Hospital of St Cross was created
