Hospitals of old
Fasting and chastity were just two of the hospital admission policies for Chichester patients in days gone by.
Visitors parking at the back of Marks and Spencer in East Street will not fail to notice the huge red-tiled roof opposite.
It belongs to the medieval hospital of St Mary's, which has always been a residential home.
There were at least two hospitals in Chichester in the medieval period - a leper hospital, St James and St Mary Magdelen, founded outside Eastgate, and St Mary's, established by 1229 near the site of the present cross.
The word 'hospital' has the same root as the word 'hospitality', and did not necessarily imply they were for the sick.
St Mary's was more like an almshouse, enabling people in need to retain their independence and to live in their local community.
The hospital had thirteen inmates and a set of rules. The right of admission to the hospital was given by the prior, and would-be residents had to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
They were then allowed to kiss the brethren if male, or the sisters, if female, and had his or her hair cut short. There was a punishment of fasting on bread and water.
By 1290 the hospital had moved to St Martin's Square, where most of it still survives. The buildings include a gatehouse on the street, an aisled hall (originally even longer) and a chapel.
The hospital interior is notable for its timber construction, particularly its roof, and for the adjoining chapel. It is unique in England. It has six massive oak-constructed bays, with a kingpost roof over 40' high.
The wooden stalls in the chapel contain some fine misericords, similar to those to be found in the choir at Chichester Cathedral.
St Mary's managed to survive all the religious upheavals of the 16th century, when many similar establishments were dissolved.
It was given a new set of rules, and the inmates were limited to five, each having their own room and garden, and 8d a week.
In return they all had to learn the Lord's Prayer, the Creed and the Salutation (the Hail Mary).
At that time the Dean of the Cathedral was in charge, but by 1656, the dean was more interested in making money than looking after the residents, so Cromwell's government put the mayor in charge instead.
Upon the Restoration, the care of the hospital went back to the Dean and Chapter, but they were in trouble again.
The Archbishop reproached them because so much of the hospital's income had gone in the warden's own purse and he was dismissed.
The original barn-like space was converted during the 17th century into eight single bedroom flats and four chimneys were constructed, each providing fireplaces for two adjoining flats.
Towards the end of the 19th century the two western bays were demolished and the space now serves as an entrance courtyard.
During the mid 20th century improvements were made to provide kitchens and bathrooms, with a common room, office and laundry.
Following the completion of St Mary's Courtyard in 2003 the hospital underwent major renovation which has included the conversion and upgrading of the residents' accommodation.
Four cottages were converted into almshouses in 1905 and, more recently, these have been converted into three flats plus a staff bedsit; in 1986 the building of St Mary's Lodge provided a further twelve flats, and in 2003 St Mary's Courtyard was completed on land to the north of the medieval building.
The residents are encouraged to live independent lives, and are cared for by the warden, bailiff and custos (chaplain).
Residents are also encouraged to attend morning prayers in chapel during the week.
Lost your marbles?
Relive childhood memories with a visit to a shop of colourful eccentricity.
Lost Marbles in Arundel is a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, selling everything from vintage Lalique and 1920s air rifles to 1950s fishing equipment and kitsch plastic peacocks.
But this fascinating collection centres around a wonderful collection of vintage marbles.
Remember Victorian swirls, slags, peewees, Peltiers and end-of-day onion skins? They are all here, and more, to take you to a simpler, gentler time.
Lost Marbles, 37a High Street, Arundel. 01243 883999. Visit www.loosemarbles.co.uk
Marbles was a street play favourite with young lads of the grazed knee varriety. Rules and games were made up as they went along. It was more important to collect and swap the coveted glass orbs.
Swinging on lamposts was another boredom buster of its day for more adventurous boys and girls in the days before health and safety rules and regs kicked in.
And forget expensive bikes and skateboards. If you had a nifty soapbox, you were king of the road!
Do you have memories of street games? For this, and any nostalgia stories and photos, send to Nostalgia, Chichester Observer, Unicorn House, Eastgate Square, Chichester, PO19 1JN. If you are emailing, scan in your pictures, send us details about them and remember to add your name and address, and send to news@chiobserver.co.uk
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Weather for Chichester
Monday 13 February 2012
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