The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty

The Hospital of St Cross & Almshouse of Noble Poverty Nestling in the water meadows by the River Itchen, lies the ancient Hospital of St Cross It remains a Christian almshouse for elderly men.

Founded just 65 years after the Norman invasion, The Hospital of St Cross was created by a young French monk and nobleman, Henri de Blois, Bishop of Wi******er, who was the grandson of William the Conqueror. The Hospital (the word denotes hospitality) welcomes visitors to its magnificent private chapel, the Church of St Cross. Modestly priced tickets are available at the Porter’s Lodge. After enjo

ying the ancient medieval hall, old kitchen and gardens they can receive the Wayfarers Dole and visit the Hundred Men’s Hall tea room.

📖 Step into Victorian St Cross through the eyes of a BrotherWe're delighted to announce the publication of The Private D...
24/06/2026

📖 Step into Victorian St Cross through the eyes of a Brother

We're delighted to announce the publication of The Private Diary of Brother George by Miriam Phillips, a fascinating glimpse into life at the Hospital of St Cross during the late Victorian era.

Beginning in 1872, Brother George Lewing recorded more than two decades of daily life at St Cross, documenting everything from traditions and ceremonies to work, leisure, visitors, weather and even pets.

The result is a wonderfully personal account of a unique community and a remarkable piece of Wi******er history.

📚 Copies will be available from the Porter's Lodge Gift Shop from Friday 26 June.

✍️ You'll also be able to meet author Miriam Phillips and purchase signed copies at the St Cross Fête on Saturday 27 June.

A must-read for anyone interested in local history, Victorian life, or the enduring story of St Cross.

19/06/2026

🦋☀️ Before summer turns up the heat... ☀️🦋

This weekend's sunny intervals and gentle breeze make it the perfect time to slow down and notice some of the smaller stars of St Cross.

Butterflies dancing between the flowers. Bees busy amongst the blooms. Dragonflies, birds, and all the little moments of life that are so easily missed when we're rushing from one thing to the next.

Take a wander through the gardens and grounds, look a little closer, and you might be surprised by just how much there is to discover. The wildlife is thriving, the flowers are at their best, and the historic buildings provide a beautiful backdrop to it all.

And before the temperatures climb next week, why not make a day of it? Enjoy a coffee and homemade cake in the Hundred Men's Hall Tearoom, browse the Porter’s Lodge Gift Shop, and spend a few hours reconnecting with nature, history, and a slower pace of life.

Sometimes the smallest things are the most rewarding. 🌿🦋🐝

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🍂⚜️ Help us build this year's Michaelmas Fair ⚜️🍂We're busy planning the return of the Hospital of St Cross Michaelmas F...
18/06/2026

🍂⚜️ Help us build this year's Michaelmas Fair ⚜️🍂

We're busy planning the return of the Hospital of St Cross Michaelmas Fair this September and would love your recommendations.

We're looking for traders who would complement the traditional character of the event, particularly:

🍞 Artisan food producers
🍺 Local drinks and breweries
🧀 Regional specialities
🕯️ Crafts and handmade gifts
🧵 Traditional skills and demonstrations
🎨 Artists and makers
⚜️ Medieval or pilgrimage-themed products and experiences

If you know a brilliant local business, talented maker, craftsperson, food producer, or trader who would be a great fit for a historic fair in one of England's oldest almshouses, please tag them below or share their details with us.

We're especially keen to hear about those hidden gems that deserve a wider audience.

Thank you for helping us make this year's Michaelmas Fair our best yet! 🍂

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17/06/2026

🌿☀️ Nature is putting on quite a show at St Cross ☀️🌿

The gardens are bursting with life right now. Perky partridges dart through the grass, friendly foxgloves sway gently in the breeze, and if you look carefully, you might spot one of the beautiful bee orchids that have made their home here.

Around every corner there's something new to discover, from seasonal flowers and wildlife to stunning views framed by centuries-old stonework. On a sunny day, the historic buildings seem to glow, revealing details and perspectives that change with the light.

Take your time. Wander the gardens, explore the architecture, pause for a moment or two, and enjoy St Cross at its summer best.

And when you're ready for a rest, the Hundred Men's Hall Tearoom is waiting with coffee, homemade cake, cream teas and light lunches. Perhaps finish your visit with a browse around the Porter’s Lodge Gift Shop before heading home.

A perfect way to spend a sunny day. 🌸🐦☕

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13/06/2026

🥂🌿 A Summer Evening at St Cross 🌿🥂

Saturday 18 July | 7:00–9:00pm

Picture the scene...

A picnic spread across the grass.
A chilled glass of fizz in hand.
Ancient stone glowing in the evening light.
Laughter drifting across the gardens as Shakespeare's most famous love story unfolds beneath the open sky.

This summer, join us for Romeo & Juliet from the brilliant Oddsocks Theatre — a joyful, energetic performance in one of Hampshire's most beautiful historic settings.

Arrive early, find your spot, unpack your picnic, and enjoy a relaxed evening of theatre, friends, and summer sunshine.

Because some stories are best enjoyed outdoors. 💔✨

🎟️ Tickets on sale now: https://www.ticketsource.com/oddsocks-communications-ltd/t-jxzvryl

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12/06/2026

☀️🌿 Sunshine, gardens, homemade cake... and one very hopeful four-legged visitor! 🐶🍰

With glorious weather forecast this weekend, there's never been a better time to visit the Hospital of St Cross.

Wander through beautiful gardens and historic buildings, discover hidden corners steeped in nearly 900 years of history, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that make St Cross such a special place to spend a summer's day.

When you're ready for a break, the Hundred Men's Hall Tearoom is waiting with homemade cakes, delicious bakes, cream teas, hot and cold drinks, light lunches, and a warm welcome from our amazing volunteers. Dogs are very welcome too, both inside the tearoom and throughout the Outer Quadrangle — although we can't guarantee they'll get their paws on any cake, however patiently they wait... 🐾👀

Don't forget to browse the Porter’s Lodge Gift Shop before you leave, or perhaps stop by for the ancient Wayfarer's Dole.

We're open this Saturday and Sunday and would love to welcome you.

Come for the history. Stay for the cake. Return for the peace and quiet.

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11/06/2026

🎭💔 Romeo & Juliet... but perhaps not as you've seen it before 💔🎭

The first reviews are in for Oddsocks' brand-new production of Romeo & Juliet, and they suggest we're in for something rather special at St Cross on Saturday 18 July, 7–9pm.

This isn't Shakespeare performed behind glass. It's a lively, inventive, laugh-out-loud retelling that remains faithful to the heart of the story while finding comedy, warmth and audience participation in unexpected places.

Reviewers have praised the cast's remarkable energy, the clever role-swapping between characters, the spontaneous audience interaction, and the way the production balances humour with the pathos of Shakespeare's most famous tragedy. Even scene changes become opportunities for comedy, with the company finding laughs in every corner of the performance.

Perhaps most excitingly, audiences are encouraged to become part of the action, with the line between stage and audience delightfully blurred throughout the evening.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Hospital of St Cross, this promises to be an unforgettable summer evening. Pack a picnic, bring your favourite people, and enjoy a fresh, funny and thoroughly entertaining take on one of the greatest love stories ever told.

🥂 Picnics welcome
🍺 Bar serving local ales, wines and soft drinks
🌿 Historic gardens and stunning surroundings
🎟️ Tickets available now
https://www.ticketsource.com/oddsocks-communications-ltd/t-jxzvryl
Saturday 18 July | 7:00–9:00pm

💔✨ Romeo & Juliet — But Not As You Know It ✨💔Saturday 18 July | 7:00–9:00pmA family feud divides the community. Violence...
05/06/2026

💔✨ Romeo & Juliet — But Not As You Know It ✨💔

Saturday 18 July | 7:00–9:00pm

A family feud divides the community. Violence stalks the streets. Two young lovers dare to follow their hearts.

And then Oddsocks get involved...

Returning to the Hospital of St Cross this July, Oddsocks' new production of Romeo & Juliet takes Shakespeare's most dramatic tragedy and fills it with their trademark humour, energy, and joyful chaos.

Will Romeo pull himself together? Will the Nurse come up with a sensible plan? Will the audience help the lovers escape?

There's only one way to find out.

🎟️ Book now for an unforgettable summer evening: https://hospitalofstcross.co.uk/open-air-theatre-wi******er/

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03/06/2026

🎭✨ Behind the scenes with Romeo & Juliet ✨🎭

The costumes are coming together, the rehearsals are underway, and the star-crossed lovers are preparing to take to the stage at the Hospital of St Cross on Saturday 18 July, 7:00–9:00pm.

This summer, Oddsocks return with their wonderfully inventive take on Shakespeare's most famous love story — finding laughter, music, and mischief amidst the tragedy. Expect family feuds, daring escapes, questionable plans, and plenty of audience involvement along the way.

Join us for an evening of open-air theatre in a setting that feels made for romance.

🎟️ Tickets available now: https://hospitalofstcross.co.uk/open-air-theatre-wi******er/

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27/05/2026

Coffee, cake, and something lovely to brighten your day? 🪻🪴🫛🌱🌼🌷🌺🌸 Our Botanical Brother sells super plants direct from the Brothers’ Garden outside our tearoom every weekend during the summer months so why not stop by this weekend and pay him a visit? ******er ******eruk ******er

Address

St Cross Road
Wi******er
SO239SD

Telephone

+441962878218

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