Chapel

… ‘a Norman cathedral in miniature’
Simon Jenkins, England’s Thousand Best Churches

Our fine Norman Chapel majestically represents the original 12th century Hospital Foundation. Conceived and commissioned by Bishop Henry de Blois; the grand task of building began in 1135 at the east end, with the north porch added nearly 200 years later. The walls are over one metre thick and built from stone brought from as far afield as Caen (in Normandy), Dorset and the Isle of Wight, as well as some flint taken from Hampshire’s local chalk pits.

Simon Jenkin’s reference to a ‘miniature’ ‘Norman Cathedral’ is represented by ‘Lofty vaults, heavy piers and rounded windows of the Angevin Kings; monarchs of thick forest and desperate civil wars’

On a column on the north aisle is carved the ‘cross potent’ which is the symbol of The Hospital of St Cross. In the window nearest to the eastern side of the north transept, the stone surround is strangely angled. Sunlight from the window falls on the cross only on 3rd May (the day in the church calendar of the Invention of the Cross) and on the 14th of September (Holy Cross Day).

It is a private chapel that it is used daily by the resident Brethren, but also a shared and welcome place of worship to the parishioners of St Cross. The Hospital of St Cross Chapel is also welcome to all visitors to our beautiful site. as part of an explore of the whole Almshouse and Heritage site.

All are welcome to our Sunday services and The Chapel is available for weddings, funerals and memorial services. Initial contact should be made to admin@hospitalofstcross.co.uk.

The Hospital of St Cross Chapel is also available for concerts and similar bookings. For further information: please contact the Deputy Clerk to the Trustees on 01962 878218.

To enquire about Tours, Visits & Group Bookings: please contact The Porter: Roger Ossa Trivino. Tel: 01962 851375 Email: porter@hospitalofstcross.co.uk