Winchester Hospital of St Cross Hampshire 1783

Winchester. The almshouses and vast Norman chapel of Hospital of St Cross were founded just outside the city centre by Henry de Blois in the 1130s. Since at least the 14th century, and still available today, a ‘wayfarer’s dole’ of ale and bread has been handed out there. It was supposedly instigated to aid pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. 

Original copper-plate engraved print from ‘The Antiquities of England and Wales’ by Francis Grose, dated in the plate 10th. August, 1783. Paper size approx. 10.75 x 8 inches. Note: Shadow does not appear on the original. A rare item in nice condition.