Here at the Hospital of St.Cross ( on the road south out of Winchester) is the oldest Almshouse in England. There is a fine history of sheltering people for over 850 years and one of the traditions is upheld to this day and that is the "Wayfarers Dole". Pilgrims could call here and claim their Dole on their journey travelling the east-west pilgrim route. The Dole consists of once wine but later ale ( water was always unsafe to drink ) and some bread. Call at the Porter's Lodge today and you too could claim your " Wayfarer's Dole" although nowadays it is a token drink of ale and a morsel of bread. The picture shows the tray of mugs for the ale and the tongs for the bread ( you can just see the bottom of the bread jar. Sorry the shot is not what I had in mind but the only chance to take it was one handed when I was at the counter paying for some purchases.

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