The Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwic

The Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick

Warwick is full of wonderful and historic architecture, including magnificent Warwick Castle, so a casual visitor to the town could almost be excused for missing The Lord Leycester Hospital buildings.

This really would be a shame as the Hospital offers a stunning glimpse of medieval architecture at its very best.

These fascinating buildings are significant because they were where, for almost 200 years, the powerful guildsmen of Warwick made decisions that changed the course of the town's history.

History of The Lord Leycester Hospital

The sprawling group of buildings that make up The Lord Leycester Hospital is now dominated by the ancient Chantry Chapel of St James, built over Warwick's West Gate by Thomas Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick, in the latter half of the 14th Century.

The Guild of St George, was created under a license issued by King Richard II on 20th April, 1383, and Thomas Beauchamp granted the beneifice of the Chantry Chapel to the Guild on its formation.

Sometime between 1386 and 1413, the Guild of the Blessed Virgin, based at the Collegiate Church of St Mary, joined the Guild of St George at the West Gate.

Living quarters to accommodate the resident priests and the guilds plus reception, meeting and dining halls were built and eventually the whole collection of guilds became one organization known as the United Guilds of Warwick.

In 1546, when they were dispersed by King Henry VIII, the United Guilds were able to save their property from seizure through the admirable foresight of their Master, Thomas Oken, who had it transferred to the Burgesses of Warwick (the ancient town council).

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leycester

In 1571, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leycester (Leicester) acquired the buildings and under charter from Queen Elizabeth I, founded a Hospital for aged or disabled soldiers and their wives.

The Charter set up a corporation consisting of the Master in charge of the Hospital and the twelve resident Brethren, which was endowed with estates producing an income of £200 per year.

To accommodate them, parts of the buildings, including the Guildhall itself, were divided into primitive quarters. These arrangements remained unchanged until 1950, when the Guildhall was cleared and the number of Brethren temporarily reduced to five.

During this period of nearly 400 years, the administration of the Hospital continued under the Charter as originally laid down, to which had been added a set of regulations drawn up by the Earl of Leycester.

Recent events

In 1956, an Act of Parliament was passed abolishing the Corporation of the Master and Brethren and replacing it by a Board of Governors, who decided to restore the building and modernise the quarters.

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, opened the Hospital after its restoration, on 3rd November, 1966.

Photo opportunity

On special occasions the Brethren wear their traditional uniform of Tudor hat and black gown adorned with the silver "Bear and Ragged Staff' device of the Dudley family.

The Brethren

When the original hospital charter was drawn up, Lord Leycester refered to the hospital residents as "brethren' who were under the charge of the "Master'. These terms have survived the centuries and are still used today to describe the hospital's current residents.

Although the Brethren were originally soldiers, nowadays they may come from any of the three armed services. In return for rent free accommodation they man the ticket office, act as guides and perform light duties around the Hospital which is now a self-supporting charity relying largely on income from visitors

The Chapel

Although extensively restored in Victorian times, the hospital chapel is a handsome and exceptionally well endowed building. It boasts beautiful stained glass by artist and designer William Morris and some notable wood carvings.

Take note of the chandeliers as the building does not have electricity. More than 50 candles are used to light the chapel for the Christmas carol service.

The Earl of Leicester required the master to conduct a weekday morning service with all the brethren in attendance. This custom has continued without a break for more than 420 years and takes place at 9.30 am every day.

The Great Hall

This is the largest of the buildings erected by the United Guilds and was used as their public hall for functions, feasts and meetings. It dates back to around 1383 and was the scene of a magnificent and extremely expensive banquet held for King James I which put the town of Warwick in debt for the next ten years!

Now that is what I call a party! – Ed.

The Guildhall

The Guildhall and its associated anterooms was built around 1450 by Richard Neville Earl of Warwick who, because of his immense political power, was called "Warwick the Kingmaker'.

The Hall is decorated with souvenirs of the Brethren's exploits around the world. Swords and French cuirass picked up at the battle of Waterloo adorn the walls. More recently one of the Guildhall's elegant rooms has become home to the Regimental Museum of the Queen's Royal Hussars.

The Courtyard

The courtyard is formed by the Master's house on the North side, The Great Hall on the East and the Guildhall on the South.

The arms and devices of the Earl of Leycester (Bear and Ragged Staff) and the Sydney family (Porcupine) are prominently displayed whilst the various shields around the courtyard walls are those of families linked with the Dudleys.

The Master's Garden

Concealed behind the master's house is one of Warwick's most ancient gardens. You can see a 12 century Norman arch and a massive 2000 year old stone vase which once stood on the banks of the river Nile.
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Lord Leycester Hospital out. website