Coningsby Hospital

Coningsby Hospital (also known as Coningsby's Hospital or Coningsby's Almshouses) was a historic hospital and almshouse located in Hereford, England. It was founded in 1614 by Sir Thomas Coningsby, a notable figure in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.

History

Sir Thomas Coningsby founded Coningsby Hospital in 1614. Coningsby was a prominent figure in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, serving as a Member of Parliament and a military officer. He established the hospital as an almshouse, providing accommodation for elderly and infirm people.

The hospital was built on the site of the former Blackfriars Monastery, which had been dissolved during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. The building incorporated parts of the original monastery, including the chapel and the refectory.

Architecture

The architecture of Coningsby Hospital is a mix of Tudor and Jacobean styles. The building is made of red brick with stone dressings, and features a central courtyard. The chapel, which dates back to the Blackfriars Monastery, is a notable feature of the hospital.

Legacy

Coningsby Hospital continued to serve as an almshouse until the 20th century. Today, it is a Grade I listed building and is managed by the Coningsby Hospital Trust. The trust continues to provide accommodation for elderly people, maintaining the original purpose of the hospital.

See also

• List of hospitals in England
• History of hospitals
• Almshouse