“It holds to this day the same honourable position in the estimation of the country which it did in the time of its first formation, exemplifying the possibility, in this happy country, of combining the general progress of mankind with a due reverence for the institutions, and even forms, which have been bequeathed to us by the piety and wisdom of our forefathers.”[156]
More has come down to us than perhaps we realize. Canterbury retains three venerable houses of alms. St. Mary’s, Chichester; St. Nicholas’, Salisbury; and St. Giles’, Norwich, are still peaceful retreats in old age. In the city of Winchester—St. Cross is not merely a monument of unchangeable usefulness, but increased funds p241 enable it to give pensions in various parts of England to the value of £1200; the site of St. Mary Magdalene’s is occupied by an isolation hospital, a portion of the original endowment maintaining a small almshouse; while St. John’s has been greatly enlarged.
[♦ ] 31. GATEWAY OF ST. JOHN’S, CANTERBURY
Even where no ancient stones bear witness, modern bricks or coins may be eloquent, for a part of the original p242 endowment may be applied to a renewed institution. For instance, the funds of the demolished leper-hospital at Chichester are applied to a modern infirmary. Sums arising from the “Lazarhouse Charity” (Launceston) or “Magdalene Lands” (in Devonshire) are now and again expended upon food and fuel for the poor. And although York shows in the fragment of St. Leonard’s but a memorial of fallen greatness, what appears to be a remnant of its rich revenues is still paid to thirty-one poor people, for the curious name “Cremitt Money” is surely derived from the inmates of that hospital, commonly known as “cremettes” (a corruption of eremites). The connection is clear enough in the case of the “Almsmen of St. Bartholomew” at Oxford, and “St. Nicholas’ Almsmen” at Carlisle, who represent former occupants of leper-houses. Again, the relation may be intimate even when a modern charity perpetuates the ancient only by force of association and memory. St. Leonard’s, Bedford, was revived in 1889, the original charity for the sick, paralysed, and lepers having lapsed at the Dissolution. No endowments survived, but it is supported locally. The present foundation is an association of religious and philanthropic persons who supply nourishing diet to invalids in their homes and assist them when convalescent. Thus, although the sole trace of old buildings is one pillar-shaft serving as a sun-dial, the charity itself is a living memorial of the ancient hospital.[157]
Finally, St. Leonard’s, Sudbury, and Sherburn House, Durham, illustrate to what advantage the old order may yield place to new. The income of St. Leonard’s, originally designed for three lepers, supplemented by p243 voluntary contributions, is applied to the maintenance of fourteen beds for sick patients, the hospital being fully equipped with modern medical and surgical appliances whilst maintaining the former religious traditions. Sherburn, once a home for sixty-five outcasts, was transformed into an almshouse when the scourge was removed. In that “haunt of ancient peace” many are now sheltered in time of age or chronic sickness; they worship daily in the old church; they are visited and cheered by a master who has devoted his life to them, and whose work is a labour of love. The revenues and practical benefits of the hospital continue to increase; a modern dispensary is fitted up there, by means of which hundreds of out-patients from the neighbouring city are relieved.
“It is this renewing of itself which brings to English institutions greatness, stability, and permanence. Thus the great traditions of the past can be happily, wisely, and usefully combined with the highest aspirations of the present and future.”
- Notes — Chapter XVI
- [134] Surtees Soc., 95, p. 238.
- [135] Chron. and Mem., 71, iii. 162–5.
- [136] Rot. Parl., i. 303.
- [137] Peck, Annals of Stanford, ix. 32.
- [138] Pat. 17 Edw. III, pt. i. m. 25d.
- [139] Yorks. Arch. Assn. Record Series, xxiii. Inq. ii. p. 123 et sq.
- [140] Pat. 16 Edw. III, pt. ii. m. 22 d. Close 20 Edw. III, pt. i. m. 4 d.
- [141] Close 6 Edw. III, m. 29 d.
- [142] Lichfield Reg., 1344, Wm. Salt, Soc. i.
- [143] See p. 213.
- [144] See p. 242.
- [145] It had been declining for above a century; a Papal Letter (1435–6) states that for fifty years, on account of the diminution of its fruits, etc., there were no brethren in the hospital.
- [146] Aug. Off., Chantry Certificate 40 (36).
- [147] Complaint of Roderyk Mors, ch. xiiij.
- [148] Fabyan, Chronicles, ed. 1811, p. 578.
- [149] Early Eng. Text Soc., 77.
- [150] Camden Soc., 1843, p. 166.
- [151] Stow, Survey of City of Westminster, bk. vi. p. 4.
- [152] MS. Soc. Antiq. cxxix. f. 274.
- [153] Cal. of Letters and Papers, Hen. VIII, 13. i. 383.
- [154] B.M. Add. 30277, f. 3.
- [155] Early Eng. Text Soc. Extra liii. App. xvi.
- [156] Speeches, p. 104.
- [157] Communicated by the Secretary.
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