The Mediæval Hospitals of England by Rotha Mary Clay
1. _The Monastic Orders_
477 words | Chapter 89
Here it must be borne in mind that we have nothing to do with
the infirmary and guest-house within conventual walls. Only such
institutions are included as had an individual, though it may be
subordinate, existence. Some hospitals were founded by an abbot
or prior; these were chiefly dependent upon the mother-house for
staff, income, food and clothing; they had an individual [p205]
dedication-name, but often no common seal (e.g. Bury, Peterborough).
Others had a more independent existence, as indicated by the possession
of separate seals (e.g. Reading, Abingdon). A community which was
under the direct control of a religious house was of a more monastic
type than others. There was also the hospital established by a private
patron, and merely placed under the administration of some monastery;
here the endowment was distinct, and the staff might or might not be
members of the convent.
It is in truth often difficult to discriminate between hospital
and priory; sometimes they are indistinguishable in aim and scope.
This was especially the case with the English Order of St. Gilbert;
the two Gilbertine houses at Lincoln and that of Clattercot were
actual infirmaries. Similarly, several foundations of the Order of
the Holy Sepulchre were pilgrims’ hostels served by a few canons.
In certain cases hospitals developed into priories, some losing
their distinctively eleemosynary character (e.g. Tandridge, Creak,
Cockersand), while in others a mere change of name took place, as at
Maiden Bradley. In the case of St. Bartholomew’s, Smithfield, priory
and hospital existed side by side, with separate organization, revenue
and seals. Sometimes the titles were used interchangeably; and at
Wilton the “priory” (Pl. XXIII) was merely a hospital governed by a
prior.
Many institutions observed the Augustinian rule. Austin canons,
according to Canon Venables, were “regular clergy, holding a middle
position between monks and secular canons, almost resembling a
community of parish priests living under rule.” The five largest
London infirmaries were served by Augustinians. [p206] Those of St.
Thomas’, Southwark, dressed after the manner of clergy of secular
cathedrals and collegiate churches. The case of an Augustinian master
of St. Thomas’ shows that constitutions differed widely; with the
Bishop of Winchester’s consent, he was transferred to Sandon hospital
(Surrey); but being uneasy, he applied to the pope for absolution
from his vow and sought permission to live “according to the custom
of Sandon.” St. Bartholomew’s was likewise governed by Austin canons,
although a papal document states that it “has not been approved by the
apostolic see and is not subject to any regular order.” Elsyngspital
was founded for secular clergy, but, “taught by experience”, regulars
were substituted within twelve years. Among other Augustinian houses
may be named Newcastle (St. Mary’s), Brackley, Newstead, Bridgwater,
Southampton, and Dover. The Benedictine rule was followed by the staff
of St. Mark’s, Bristol, Strood, and of course in all hospitals under
Benedictine monasteries.
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