Making pots for The hospital of St Cross and its almshouses in Winchester

We have been making pots for the Hospital of St Cross for a number of years.

The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty is a medieval almshouse in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It has been described as "England's oldest and most perfect almshouse". Most of the buildings and grounds are open to the public at certain times. It is a Grade I listed building.

 The Hospital of St Cross is famous for its unique and ancient tradition of providing the Wayfarer’s Dole. This is a horn of beer and a morsel of bread given to any visitor who requests it. The custom was founded by a monk from Cluny in France, whose holy order always gave bread and wine to travellers. The tradition still continues today. Visitors may request the Dole at the Porter’s Lodge as they depart.

 We make the dole beakers that are used and sold in the shop.

 

This is John Craven, from "Country File" when presenting a programme from the Winchester area.

These are the pots we sent off today.