Listed Building: EASTBRIDGE HOSPITAL (1085030)

1. 944 HIGH STREET (South West Side) Nos 25 & 26 (Eastbridge Hospital) TR 1457 NE 4/18 I GV 2. Founded in 1180 for the needs of poor pilgrims to the shrine of St Thomas Becket. Restored 1927-1832. 12 pilgrims were accommodated here each night and were charged 4d for board and lodgings. In the C14 a chantry chapel was added, and after the Dissolution the building was turned into almshouses. The exterior is built in 2 portions. The left side is 2 storeys high faced with knapped flint and having stone quoins. Tiled roof with crenellated parapet. 3 early Perpendicular windows with reticulated tracery set in stone surrounds. 4 arched C14 door set in an earlier round-arched C12 door. The right hand side is a timber-framed building but with an early C19 facade to the High Street. 3 storeys red brick with crenellated parapet. 4 lancet windows, some double, some triple with diamond panes. Brick plinth. The rear elevation of this part is C17 and tile humg. 2 to 3 storeys with a slate roof in hips and restored sash windows. The hall and undercoft date from about 1180. The undercroft was originally the dormitory and is groin-vaulted It is 5 by 2 bays on short round piers with round ball caps and moulded bases. This is a form which was first introduced in 1179 in William the Englishman's crypt. There is C13 mural on the north wall of a seated figure of Christ in an almond-shaped surround with the symbols of the 4 Evangelists. The south wall has late C16 painted panels with strapwork and shields of arms. The chapel upstairs has a fine crown post roof. Nos 25 to 29 (consec) & Cottages situated to south west of main Eastbridge Hospital Building form a group. Listing NGR: TR1478857916