St Leonard's Hospital

A small ruined structure by the B6341 to the N of Alnwick, a short distance south of Malcolm's Cross, St Leonard's Hospital stands adjacent to some marshy ground associated with a spring and ancient well known as Malcolm's Well. The Hospital of St Leonard for the Poor, Aged and Sick was founded between 1193 and 1216 by Eustace de Vesci, in memory of King Malcolm III of Scotland, mortally wounded nearby in the Battle of Alnwick (1093). Annexed to the Premonstratensian Alnwick Abbey in 1376, the medieval hospital buildings apparently included a nave or infirmary with an adjoining chancel or chapel to the east.

It probably fell into decay before the Reformation, and the site was overgrown and lost until 1845, when it was discovered during ploughing and remains, including foundations, carved stones, an ancient well and a graveyard, including a stone coffin and more than 20 skeletons, were excavated. The well known Victorian architect Anthony Salvin was working at Alnwick Castle at the time and in 1848 he 'reconstructed' fragments of the building on the original foundations, although a number of carved stones were removed, some of which are said to remain at Alnwick Castle. The Northumbrian church architect F R Wilson is also mentioned in connection with the reconstruction, which was apparently designed to present a picturesque appearance when viewed from the S, ie from Alnwick Castle, though the full extent of the works carried our is unknown. The site was again excavated by Alnwick Secondary School in 1975.

Some of the rubble may be fire-reddened and there is evidence of rebuilding, consolidation and rough racking works having been carried out using various types of mortar, including damaging cement mortars, while rusted iron cramps project from the chancel arch springing.

The inspection and conservation report and strategy prepared by Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation recommended further archival research, surveying and recording, repointing and rough racking, to ensure that the ruin could be maintained for the interest and enjoyment of future visitors.