What a glorious place
at Alton will be
Hospital of St John
Pugin and the 16th Earl envisioned that the hospital, in addition to caring for the elderly and less fortunate, should firmly root itself in the whole community and also have a role in shaping its future.
When Pugin died in 1852, the main structure of the hospital was finished, leaving only the interiors to be completed. It was, however, the Sisters of Mercy that would first take up residence in the hospital and not the 'poor brethren' some years later in 1875.
The Guild Hall
Initially, Pugin planned this wing of the complex to house the refectory, but it had to be revised to house the upper school due to the increasing demand for free education.
The Guildhall was also available for use by the villagers, serving not only as an adult education and community centre but also as a space to hold
social functions. In 1849 Pugin wrote to his wife, Jane of a party he attended at the hall 'There are strange doings here at St John's Balls in the Guild Hall, dancing till 2 in the morning, the Rev Dr Winter playing the French Horn!!'
The tower at the west end of the Guildhall contains three curious round windows, which were originally intended to house three clock faces. Pugin wrote of them, 'I have introduced provision for 3 clock faces which will give it a most picturesque effect'.
Please note that whilst there is public access to St John’s Church and churchyard, the Hospital and Guild Hall
are private, so please be mindful when viewing or photographing the properties.
