Hospital of St Mary Magdalene, Glastonbury, Medieval almshouses and chapel in Glastonbury, England.
The Hospital of St Mary Magdalene is a stone complex arranged in parallel rows of individual dwellings that open toward a central chapel. This layout allows the chapel to serve as the hub connecting all the residential spaces together.
This facility was founded around 1310 by Benedictine monks and initially housed ten poor men seeking shelter. Its origins as a shelter for the needy established the basic layout that survives to the present day.
The chapel continues to serve religious purposes, maintaining spiritual traditions that have remained active for centuries within these walls. This ongoing use gives the space a sense of living faith rather than a museum piece.
The chapel welcomes visitors daily without requiring admission fees, making a visit straightforward and accessible. Those interested in guided tours should arrange group bookings ahead of time to ensure availability.
Restoration work preserved original architectural details such as a blocked pointed window and a small bell structure. These carefully maintained features provide insight into how the facility was originally built and equipped.
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