The Eastbridge Hospital of St. Thomas
(Photo 1995)

This is the exterior of the Eastbridge Hospital of St.Thomas. The word `hospital' is used in the sense of `hospitality', it was a place where pilgrims rested and stayed the night before making it along the street to the Cathedral. The hospital was founded about 1190, for `poor pilgrims, infirm persons, the poor and homeless and lying-in women'. Healthy pilgrims could stay for one night for the cost of 4d. You can see the Norman arch in the doorway.

Today the hospital is a tourist attraction but also houses elderly people of limited means. It's worth a visit to see the Norman undercroft and also upstairs there is a wonderful 12th century mural in the refectory hall which features a rare depiction of the martydom of Becket. There is also a little chapel with an astounding roof.

Turn right here for Best Lane.

Peter Collinson
This page last changed on 8th October 2024.
Photograph July 1995. © Copyright Peter Collinson, All rights reserved.