Nestling alongside the River Itchen, the Hospital of St. Cross has been described as "England's oldest and most perfect almshouse."
Almshouses were medieval charitable housing provided for poor people by members of the Christian faith.
The Hospital still provides accommodation for a total of 25 elderly men, known as "The Brothers", under the care of "The Master".
The Hospital continues an ancient tradition in the "Wayfarer's Dole", which consists of a small horn cup of ale and a piece of bread.
The Hospital is surrounded by a water meadows and is managed for nature conservation by Mike Dibden using conservation grazing by livestock.
#ReNature #Farming #Nature #History
