Hospitals in the medieval period were very different from what we think of as hospitals today. They were designed to care for the sick and elderly but also provided accommodation for passing travellers or pilgrims. They viewed themselves as places of religion as well as places of healing and were often referred to as 'domus dei' meaning 'house of God'.
They proliferated across England in the 12th century and by the early 14th century there were over 500 recorded hospitals. They varied enormously in size with the biggest hospitals able to cater for over one hundred people. Most however were much more modest with just a dozen or so long term patients.
The sick and infirm would be housed in the main infirmary, at Governor's Green that was the Garrison Church. The hospital catered for your soul as well as the body and from your bed you'd be able to see and hear the religious services.
