OS grid reference TR0036260855 Type Grade II* Reference no. 175959 Phone +44 370 333 1181 | Designated 29 July 1950 Year built 1234 | |
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Hours Open today · 2–5PMSaturday2–5PMSunday2–5PMMondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursdayClosedFridayClosed Similar Chart Gunpowder Mills, Fleur de Lis Heritage, Faversham Stone Chapel, Belmont House and Gardens, Oare Gunpowder Works | ||
Maison Dieu ('House of God') is a hospital, monastery, hostel, retirement home and royal lodge commissioned by Henry III in 1234. The timber framed building is located beside Watling Street, now the A2 road, in Ospringe, Faversham, in Kent, England.
Edward Hasted noted in 1798 that it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The foundation consisted of a master and three regular brethren of the Order of the Holy Cross. There were also two secular clerks, who celebrated mass for the soul of the founder and the souls of his royal predecessors and successors. They were required to be hospitable, and to entertain the poor and needy passers-by and pilgrims (heading along Watling Street). There was a chamber in the building which the king used to rest when he passed this way; it was called Camera Regis, or the king's chamber. The history and records of the building also give insight into the way sick and disabled people fitted into society during the medieval period. For example, in 1235 the 'blind daughter of Andrew of Faversham' was admitted to Maison Dieu as a 'servant of God and sister of the hospital'.
Currently
It is owned by English Heritage and managed by the Faversham Society. Currently it is used to display Roman artefacts from the surrounding area including the ruined 'Church of Our Lady of Elwarton' in Stone. but is only open at weekends from April to October.