The Charity

St John's Hospital is a remarkable institution – so says Jean Manco in the opening paragraph of her book “The Spirit of Care”.  In 1998, the book was commissioned, by the Trustees of the historic Charity, to document its incredible story and to develop an awareness of an organisation hitherto under the radar of most people living in Bath.  

This website is yet another landmark in the annals of the Charity, spreading the word about the work of St John’s worldwide. But today’s fully registered Charity still retains the ethos and fundamental mission of the original ‘hospital’, set up by Bishop Reginald in 1174; to provide ‘comfort for old age and those in need.’

Bath in 1174

But why call it remarkable?  Because it was founded in the 12th century, yet it is still to this day providing help in old age for the disadvantaged.  There are only a handful of ‘hospitals’ in Britain with such a long and esteemed history.

Over the years, the Hospital of St John the Baptist in Bath has changed and evolved into a modern charity, with the provision of care for residents and those in receipt of grants, at the heart of its work.