Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, Glastonbury

Garden at the Almshouses (geograph 3728779)

== Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, Glastonbury ==

The Hospital of St Mary Magdalene in Glastonbury, Somerset, was a medieval hospital established to care for the poor and sick. It was founded in the 12th century and dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The hospital played a significant role in the community, providing medical care and spiritual support to those in need.

History

The hospital was established during the 12th century, a period marked by the growth of monastic institutions and charitable foundations. It was closely associated with Glastonbury Abbey, one of the wealthiest and most influential abbeys in England. The hospital was likely founded by the abbey to serve the local population and pilgrims visiting the abbey.

During the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the hospital, like many other religious institutions, faced significant changes. The Act of Supremacy and subsequent dissolution led to the closure of many monastic hospitals. However, the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene continued to function in some capacity, albeit with reduced resources and support.

Architecture

The original buildings of the hospital have largely been lost to time, but some remnants and archaeological evidence provide insights into its structure. The hospital would have included a chapel, living quarters for the brethren, and facilities for the care of the sick. The architecture would have reflected the Romanesque and early Gothic styles prevalent during its founding.

Function

The primary function of the hospital was to provide care for the sick and poor. This included medical treatment, shelter, and food. The hospital also had a spiritual role, offering prayers and religious services for the well-being of its patients. The brethren who ran the hospital were likely members of a religious order, dedicated to the service of God and the care of the needy.

Legacy

The legacy of the Hospital of St Mary Magdalene is reflected in the continued importance of charitable healthcare in the region. While the original hospital no longer exists, its spirit of care and compassion lives on in modern healthcare institutions. The site of the hospital remains a point of historical interest, attracting visitors and researchers interested in medieval healthcare and monastic history.

Related Pages

• Glastonbury Abbey
• Dissolution of the Monasteries
• Mary Magdalene
• Romanesque architecture
• Gothic architecture