Hospital of St John the Baptist, Arbroath

[[File:Eddie_Ochiltree_Antiquary.tiff-->|thumb]] Hospital of St John the Baptist, Arbroath was a medieval hospital located in Arbroath, Scotland. Founded in the 13th century, it served various functions, including providing care for the sick and poor, and hospitality to travelers. The hospital was associated with the Arbroath Abbey, one of the most significant religious institutions in medieval Scotland, founded by King William the Lion in 1178.

History

The exact date of the foundation of the Hospital of St John the Baptist is not known, but it is believed to have been established in the late 12th or early 13th century. The hospital was situated outside the walls of Arbroath Abbey, indicating its role in providing for those not part of the monastic community. It was dedicated to St John the Baptist, reflecting the common medieval practice of dedicating hospitals to saints.

Throughout its history, the hospital was supported by various benefactors, including the abbey itself and local nobility, who granted lands and resources for its maintenance. The hospital's primary role was to offer care for the sick and poor, a common function of medieval hospitals, which were among the earliest forms of institutional care in Europe.

In addition to its charitable functions, the Hospital of St John the Baptist may have served as a place of hospitality for pilgrims and travelers, especially those visiting the abbey. This was a typical role of such hospitals, situated as they were on important travel routes.

Dissolution

Like many ecclesiastical institutions, the Hospital of St John the Baptist was affected by the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. The Reformation led to the dissolution of monasteries and the appropriation of their lands and incomes by the Crown and nobility. The exact fate of the hospital post-Reformation is not well-documented, but it likely ceased to function in its original capacity. Any remaining structures would have fallen into disrepair or been repurposed.

Legacy

Today, little physical evidence remains of the Hospital of St John the Baptist. Its history is primarily known through historical documents and the records of Arbroath Abbey. The site of the hospital is part of the rich medieval heritage of Arbroath, which includes the abbey ruins, a major tourist attraction and historical site.

The hospital's legacy is reflective of the broader role of medieval hospitals in Scotland and across Europe. These institutions were foundational in the development of healthcare and social services, providing care not only for the body but also for the soul, in line with the religious motivations of the time.

See Also

• Arbroath Abbey
• Medieval medicine
• History of hospitals
• Scottish Reformation