But when the first feeling of surprise has passed, you discover that there is only a small chancel at the east end of the building, on either side of which are little dwellings.

Each of these is occupied by a nice little old woman, who has two rooms, very minute and cosy, with a little supply of faggots close at hand, and all the dignity of a householder, although the occupant only of an infinitesimal toy house within a house.

How do they agree, one wonders, these little old ladies of a touchy age under their great roof?
Different accounts are given of the origin of St.Mary's Hospital.

Mr.
Lower says that it was founded in 1229 for a chaplain and thirteen bedesmen.

In 1562 a warden and five inmates were the prescribed occupants.