| Summary : The Great Hospital or Hospital Of St Giles, founded in 1249 and in continual use since then. Much of the Mediaeval fabric survives. Mediaeval hospital and parish church. 13th-15th century with major 16th century and later alterations. Flint and brick rubble; stone dressings; slate roof replacing lead roofs stripped in 1809-10; 3 red brick chimneys. Aisled infirmary hall, nave, chancel, south transept, south porch and south-west tower with additions, including first floor in chancel and infirmary hall and stair towers on the south side. |
More information : (TG 23720904) The Great Hospital (Home for the Aged) and remains of ST GILES HOSPITAL (NR) (Founded AD 1246)
St Giles Hospital founded in 1246 by Bishop Walter Sutfield. It was for sick or aged priests, the poor, aged and sick, and pilgrims and travellers. The hospital was dissolved in 1547 but refounded the same year by Edward VI and the possessions were transferred to the city. (2-5)
The hospital church is known as St. Helen's after the church in the Cathedral precinct that was demolished when the hospital was built (TG 20 NW 99). The choir of the church was rebuilt about 1383, and in 1451 the cloisters, masters lodgings, nave and tower were built. A chapter house is mentioned in 1547. The portion now used as a church is the central portion of the nave. All the buildings are in good condition. See ground photographs. (6)
St. Helen's Church is listed Grade A.
The following are Listed Grade 1:-
The Master's Lodging (TG 20 NW 212)
The Cloisters.
The Rectory.
Listed Grade 2: The Lodge. (7)
History and full description of the hospital. St Helen's Church forms the South side of the complex. It has a long chancel with square nave and infirmary continuing West of the nave.The South transept contains the Lady Chapel. A South porch adjoins the South-West corner of the nave, and the South-West tower adjoins the South-West corner of the infirmary. A South aisle formerly extended the South wall of the nave between the porch and tower but has been demolished. A square cloister lies to the North of the nave and infirmary, with the Dining Hall and Master's Room in the West range and the Chaplain's Dormitory on the North side. The chapter house and other buildings of the East range have been demolished, as has the kitchen, which extended North from the West claustral range. (8) |