Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

St. Anne and St. John (Oakham)

St. Anne and St. John is a mediaeval hospital, in other words almshouses, in Oakham, the ancient county town of Rutland.

The hospital was founded in the late 14th century, and another was founded in the neighbouring town of Uppingham at about the same time.

Most of the old buildings were demolished by the railway company when they bought the land for the line that still survives, linking Oakham with Leicester, Melton Mowbray, Stamford, Peterborough and Ely.

The foundation continues, however, with 20th century buildings around a courtyard fulfilling the same function of housing elderly people.

In the courtyard is a precious survival, the hospital's original 14th century chapel, made from the local ironstone.