it is considered, was originally established for the reception of persons
afflicted with leprosy—a disease much more common among the ancients and
in warmer climates than in Europe, into which it is said to have been
introduced by the Crusaders in the time of Henry the First. King Henry
the Second, if not the founder of this hospital, granted to it 30s.
yearly (equal to £80 of modern currency) of the rent which he received
from the sheriff of Shropshire for the county, towards the support of the
infirm or diseased occupants, as well as a small toll upon all corn and
flour exposed to sale in Shrewsbury, either on market days or otherwise.
The original grant of money is still paid by the sheriff to the Earl of
Tankerville, who, as “Master of the Hospital,” and holding certain lands
for its maintenance, nominates four hospitallers, who have each a
comfortable house and garden, adjoining St. Giles’s church-yard, with one
shilling and sixpence weekly, a small allowance for coal, and clothing
annually.