Visit To St Nicholas Hospital

At the invitation of David, Master of St Nicholas Hospital, an enthusiastic group of Salisbury Probus members and partners enjoyed a most interesting tour of the Hospital on Wednesday 20 August 2025.

One of the highlights was the presentation given by one of the newer residents in the ancient chapel.  She spoke of the history and traditions and described her life there.

The Hospital of St Nicholas in Salisbury is one of the ancient almshouses of England. 

Situated just south of Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, adjacent to the Old Harnham or Ayleswade Bridge, the Hospital is a flourishing and vibrant Christian community of men and women called to live in fellowship with one another. It is a registered charity.

It has a rich and varied tradition of service and hospitality (hence “hospital”) since its founding in the early 13th century for ‘the reception, care and maintenance of Christ’s poor, sick and infirm’.  

In fact the earliest reference to the Hospital of St Nicholas was in 1215, when it provided rest and shelter for travellers who had crossed the ford of the river at Harnham, immediately to the south of the property, on their way to Old Sarum. 

By the end of the next decade in 1227, it was further developed following generous endowments of land from two benefactors. The original 13th century buildings provided separate accommodation for men and women in “cells” parts of which are still in existence today.

In 1229, Bishop Bingham built the bridge across the River Avon at Harnham.  This was a Toll Bridge with income swelling the church coffers!   One of the two chapels, built in 1244 (and older than the cathedral), is still used for worship today.  Daily attendance at 09h30 is compulsory for residents.

There are 24 ground and first-floor flats in four blocks, each providing good-sized self-contained accommodation for single people, with some properties suitable for couples.

Our group spent over an hour there, exploring artifacts, architecture and the impressive grounds.

We concluded the outing with a delightful luncheon in the nearby Rose & Crown Hotel in Harnham.  

As usual, there was much banter and merriment and the occasion was a great success.   Well done and many thanks from us all to Phil & Karen Riley for organising this event.

These periodic events are becoming ever more popular.  Numbers are usually limited so members are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Godfrey Ball