Lord Leycester Hospital and Master’s Garden
High Street
Warwick
CV34 4BH
Tel: +44 (0)1926 491422
E-mail: info@lordleycester.com
Website: www.lordleycester.com
About
We step back in time to over 700 years ago when the Guilds of Warwick built these half-timbered buildings as the centre of their activity – a Guildhall for meetings, a Great Hall for entertaining, and a kitchen – all built around the Chapel of St James.
Changes were brought in during the Elizabethan age, when the Queen’s close friend, the dashing Robert Dudley Earl of Leycester, was given the site by the Guildsmen to create a “Hospital” – a place of sanctuary, to take care of fallen and deserving warriors known as the Brethren and their appointed Master. Whilst maintaining this 450-year-old tradition, the Lord Leycester Hospital has evolved into a modern charity – Warwick’s answer to the Royal Hospital Chelsea except smaller and older, with the Brethren and Master still living within the walls.
In 2022 the Hospital underwent an 18 month, 21st century, multi-million pound restoration. This saw the 1950s heating and electricity upgraded, rotten beams replaced, wattle and daub repaired, and modern spaces for visitors created with hands on and interesting exhibits to tell the buildings’ story.
Today the Hospital is run by Master Heidi Meyer, a retired military officer. The eight ex-servicemen and their wives who live here, are provided with almshouses, carry out ceremonial duties and act as guides for visitors.
Opening Times
Summer (May-Sept) Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)
Winter (Oct-Apr) Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm)
Café Opening Times
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4.30pm