St John Medieval Museum and Coningsby Hospital, Hereford
Located in Widemarsh Street, just a short walk from the city centre, the St John Medieval Museum and and Coningsby Hospital is adjacent to the Blackfriars Rose Garden and the ruins of the Dominican Monastery.
Visitors can learn about the foundation of the Coningsby Red Coat Hospital, probably the model for The Chelsea Hospital in London, as well as exploring the 13th century Chapel, still used today by the Order of St John and for the monthly service, and the Museum, which explains the links between the Crusades, the Knights Templar and The Hospitaller Knights.
The remains of Blackfriars Monastery are directly beside the museum and set within the Rose Garden is one of the last surviving examples of a stone Preaching Cross.
The Museum is open 11.00 to 15.00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to October.
Private visits can be arranged for individuals or groups and need to be pre-booked by calling 01432 264824. Guide dogs are permitted.
Guided walks of Historic Hereford can be arranged by contacting The Hereford Guild of Guides.
Photography by Gordon Taylor.
