Inner Quadrangle, Hospital of St.Cross

A general view of the Inner Quadrangle at the Hospital of St.Cross, the buildings on the left with the tall chimneys are the homes of the Bretheren. The almshouses are said to be the oldest in England and is home to 25 gentlemen, 17 wear the black gown of the original foundation and his trencher- a flat soft fabric hat. The black gown has a silver cross affixed ( same as the cross on the wooden tray in my shot of the Wayfarerer's Dole ).Eight other Brothers wear the red gowns of the Order of Noble Poverty and have a cardinal's badge on it. In the centre of the shot one can see the steps leading to on the left the Master's Office and to the right of the steps the Brethren's Hall where at one time they would eaten, but now only used on special occasions. The Beaufort Tower has the entrance at it's base with the Porter's Lodge to the right and this is where one obtains the Wayfarer's Dole. At the building on the far right one can see the entrance leading to the gardens and the the Ambulatory. An atmosphere of peace and quiet pervades the whole area and it is really a step back in time.

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