Becoming a Brother
THE ALMSHOUSE MODEL: The Almshouse model has been successfully running for the last 1000 years, which is testament to its relevance and need since Norman times. We are part of 1,600 Almshouse charities across the country; originally named hospitals or bede houses, due to the nature of providing basic hospitality and shelter. Almshouses, as a community, can offer life changing opportunities; including secure and safe housing, enhanced wellbeing, and help with isolation. https://www.almshouses.org/the-almshouse-model
QUICK HISTORY: The oldest Almshouse foundation is The Hospital of St Oswald in Worcester circa 990; set up by Bishop of Worcester St Oswald. The Bishop’s concept was for Brothers (monks) ‘to minister to the sick, bury the dead, relieve the poor, and give shelter to travellers who arrived at the city gates after they had closed at night’ . Hence offering hospitality to Wayfarers & Pilgrims.
OUR FOUNDATION: Here at the Hospital of St Cross we have been offering hospitality to passing travellers since conception. The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty is primarily a residential community which has provided alms shelter for nearly 900 years, and is cited as Britain’s oldest, most intact Almshouse Site.
Accommodation
Our Almshouse accommodation comprises of residential flats for twenty five Brothers. Each Brother has a self-contained flat, dating back to the fifteenth century, consisting of a kitchen, sitting room, bedroom, & bathroom. The quarters are on the ground or first floor. These flats are not furnished, and a resident normally provides their own furniture.
WHO CAN APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to apply from a wide variety of backgrounds; usually single, divorced or widowers. Our ‘Scheme’ which governs the administration of the Hospital requires Brothers must be over state retirement age, be able to live independently, no longer employed, and that preference should be given to those of low or limited income. Emotional need is also very much considered. We welcome all applicants. See the application process below.
Facilities
The Hospital provides a two-course lunch at a subsidised price on weekdays. The Brothers cook for themselves the rest of the time.
The Brothers have their own generous gardens behind the residential quarters to enjoy, tend, cultivate, and spend time in.
A hairdresser calls each month to provide a subsidised haircut.
A subsidised chiropodist calls every six weeks.
The communal television licence, which services all individual flats is provided by the Trustees.
Help with cleaning is available at a subsided rate if needed.
There is a laundry room with washing machines and dryers.
We have a no pet policy here.
Support
WARDEN: We have the wonderful support of the Brother’s Warden on daily duty, who will assist with a range of the Brothers needs.
PORTER: We have Porter, who lives on site. The Porter coordinates the security of the Hospital, runs the Shop, hands out the Wayfayer’s Dole, and supports the Brothers out of hours, as well as many other roles.
MASTER: The centuries old tradition of having a Master of the Brothers, carries on at The Hospital of St Cross. The Master also lives on site, and provides pastoral support to the Brothers.
CLERK: The Clerk and her team of staff provide a range of support to the Brothers; from administration, to practical help, to good company. All employees add together and individually, to the very rounded & cohesive community here at The Hospital of St Cross.
GARDENER & GROUNDSMAN: The invaluable tending of the magnificent gardens & grounds here on our site, are managed by two very skilled individuals, The Brothers get immense pleasure from their surroundings at the Hospital.
COOK: Our cook provides delicious lunches on Monday to Friday, which are a great communal meet up for the Brothers. The lunches are healthy and tasty.
MAINTENANCE PERSON: Problem solving all aspects of residential and site wide maintenance issues, that naturally arise daily on a complex ancient heritage site and almshouse residency. As well as providing good cheer with the Brothers.
Attending MATINS
The Brothers do not belong to a religious order, but the Hospital is a Christian foundation. The Brothers enjoy wearing their gowns (which are provided) to attend morning prayers in our magnificent Chapel daily at 10 am for about 20 minutes. This can offer a time for contemplation and thought for any individual.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email our office to speak to Sharon Bondsfield: admin@hopsitalofstcross.co.uk, or phone: 01962 878218 for an initial chat.
