30. THE HOSPITAL OF FORDINGBRIDGE
Very little is known or can be gleaned
with respect to the hospital at Fordingbridge.
It was dedicated in honour of St. John Baptist, which was the usual dedication of town
hospices, for the transitory relief of poor wayfarers, and the more permanent maintenance
of some of the local poor.
It was from an early date under the control
of the diocesan. Bishop Pontoise (1282-1304), the first Bishop of Winchester, whose
registers are preserved, collated to the wardenship. (fn. 1)
In 1328 there was considerable dispute
over the appointment of James de Stepellavynton to the wardenship, his collation by Bishop
Stratford being opposed, and not accepted
until he had threatened Dame Joan Tracy,
William her chaplain and six others with
excommunication. (fn. 2)
On 15 May, 1385, Bishop Wykeham collated William Olyver to this hospital; and on
4 August, 1396, John Tannere. (fn. 4)
The advowson of the hospital of St. John,
Fordingbridge, was among the very considerable endowments intended to be transferred
to the great Hospital of St. Cross, Winchester,
by Cardinal Beaufort. (fn. 5) This transference or
amalgamation formed part of his large scheme
that was actually accomplished; for a compotus
of St. Cross for the year ending Michaelmas,
1526, includes receipts from the small Fordingbridge hospital. (fn. 6)
Wardens of the Hospital of Fordingbridge
Adam de Northaye, (fn. 7) 1313
James de Stepellavynton, (fn. 8) 1328
Clement de Fordingbridge, (fn. 9) 1329
Thomas de la More, resigned in 1348
Richard de Mora, 1348-9
William Wyse, 1349-62
Robert Michel, (fn. 10) 1362-9
Edward Tavenere, 1369
William Olyver, 1385
John Tannere, (fn. 11) 1396