Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, Bawtry

Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, Bawtry was a medieval hospital located in Bawtry, a market town in South Yorkshire, England. Established for the care of the poor and sick, its foundation dates back to the 12th century, making it an important part of the local history and a reflection of the medieval healthcare and charitable systems in England.

History

The Hospital of St Mary Magdalene was founded in the late 12th century, though the exact date and founder are not recorded. It was part of a wider network of medieval hospitals in England, which were established not only for medical care but also for the support of the poor, travelers, and pilgrims. The hospital was dedicated to St Mary Magdalene, a figure from the New Testament known for her repentance and dedication to Jesus Christ, which was a common dedication for medieval hospitals due to her association with healing and care.

Throughout its history, the hospital would have provided both spiritual and physical care, with a chapel for prayer and rooms for the sick. The management and operation of the hospital would have been overseen by a master, who was often a cleric, and staffed by brothers and sisters who took vows of service.

Dissolution

Like many other religious establishments, the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene was dissolved in the 16th century during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. The dissolution led to the closure and repurposing of many hospitals, monasteries, and abbeys across England. The exact fate of the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene post-dissolution is not well-documented, but it likely ceased to function as a hospital and its assets were seized by the crown or granted to private individuals.

Legacy

Today, the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene is remembered as part of Bawtry's medieval heritage. While no physical structures of the hospital remain, its history is an integral part of the town's identity and provides insight into the medieval approach to healthcare and charity. The site where the hospital once stood is part of the historical narrative of Bawtry, contributing to the town's character and its understanding of its past.

See Also

• History of hospitals
• Medieval medicine
• Dissolution of the Monasteries
• St Mary Magdalene