BECOMING A BROTHER OF ST CROSS

The Hospital of St Cross was founded in 1132. It is one of the oldest charitable institutions in the country and one of the most beautiful collections of medieval buildings still in use today.

The term Hospital in this context, has the same origin as 'hospitality' and for over 875 years St Cross has provided food and shelter to people in need.

Today, the Hospital is a living community of elderly laymen, who worship daily in the Church. They wear the traditional gown and trencher, the black gowns signifying the original de Blois foundation and the red the later Beaufort foundation (the Order of Noble Poverty)

HISTORY OF ST CROSS

Brothers are expected to attend Matins every week day (Monday—Saturday), being free to worship elsewhere on Sunday should they wish to do so.

Brothers are issued with their gown and hat at a Gowning Ceremony in the Church, and wear them on formal and special occasions.

Brothers are the Guides for groups of visitors, an

important source of income for the Hospital.

The newest Black Brother rings a bell summoning Brothers to Pay Parade on a Monday, where they are thrown a leather pouch containing a £1 coin.

Brothers attend 'Gaudy' a ceremonial lunch, three times a year, together with Trustees, staff and guests.

On the death of a Brother, one of the doors of the Por­ter's Lodge gate is shut, and remains so until the funeral.

TRADITIONS

The Hospital

There are places for 25 residents (Brothers) and they belong either to the

Hospital Foundation(Black Brothers), or the Noble Poverty Foundation (Red brothers).

A person wishing to apply has to be:

Male

60 or over

Single, widowed or divorced

No longer working/retired

Of limited financial means

Well enough to live independently

Accommodation

Each Brother has a self-contained flat (ground or I st floor), dating back to the C 15`h and comprising a living room, single bedroom, kitchen, shower and separate WC. The flats are carpeted but otherwise unfur­nished; the Hospital can help with the temporary provision of furniture. There is a Brothers' Warden on duty during office hours.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept pets.

Facilities

The Hospital provides a midday meal for Brothers at a subsidised price. There are plots available behind the flats for any Brother who would like to tend a garden.

There is a communal laundry room. A barber calls each month.

A chiropodist calls every six weeks. Help with cleaning can be provided. A communal TV licence is provided.

Transport

A subsidised taxi service is provided each Thursday to take Brothers to a local supermarket for their shopping.

The town of Winchester is close by, and on a bus route from St Cross.

Financial Contributions

There is a charge ("weekly maintenance contribution") for living at the Hospital which includes support and utility costs. The charge is set at similar levels to fair rents and qualifies for Housing Benefit where appropriate.

How to apply

Request an application form

Come for an informal visit, preferably bringing your completed form with you.

If you wish to proceed, arrange to spend 48-hours at the Hospital in the guest flat, when you will meet the Master and a Trustee as well as Brothers during your stay.

Write to confirm that you wish your application to continue, whereupon references, including a medical reference from your doctor, will be taken up.

The Master will submit his recommendation to the Trustees, who will review your application and make a decision at a Special Meeting on whether you should be accepted as a Brother.