Monument record 462/1 - Possible hospital site at Wilderspool

Wilderspool listed as a hospital founded before 1354-5 (1). 'Wyldrespol Spytel' mentioned in an inquisition of 1355 describing the highway from Warrington to Northwich (2)(3). An entry in the Lichfield Episcopal Registers for 1367 reads 'To Simon de Goddesmer, hermit of the Hermitage of Wildespole for his oratory within the said hermitage for two years' (4) The 'Eremitt's Yorde' mentioned in 1610 may have been on the bridge at Wilderspool or at the cross roads on Stockton Heath where one of the Hermit Friars of the Austin Friary in Warrington may have been stationed to gather alms from wayfarers (5). Reference to a 'Spital Bridge' at Wilderspool (6). Wilderspool Spittal mentioned as having been provided for travellers waiting for the tide to allow the river Mersey to be forded (7). Also referred to as a chapel (8).

<1> Knowles, D & Hadcock, RN, 1953, Medieval Religious Houses: England and Wales, /318 (Book). SCH2177.

<2> Bailey, JE (ed), 1881-4, The Palatine Note Book, 4/132 1884 (Book). SCH3224.

<3> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 1/602 (N) (Book). SCH1389.

<4> Wilson R A, 1905, Staffordshire Collections, 8/37+116 (Book). SCH2989.

<5> Chetham Society, Various, Transactions of the Chetham Society, 83/656 Beamont W 1872 (Journal/Periodical). SCH3291.

<6> Beamont W, 1887, Walks about Warrington, /128 (Book). SCH3666.

<7> May T, 1904, Warrington's Roman Remains, /84 (Book). SCH3693.

<8> Clay R M, 1914, Hermits and Anchorites of England, /208-9 (Book). SCH1340.

<9> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ68NW59/1960 (Index). SCH2487.

<10> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 3/127 Kettle A J 1980 (Book). SCH3556.