About
St John’s House, located halfway down Newcastle Hill, dates to c.1511 and is Grade II* listed. The original purpose of the building is not clear – it may have been a Church House (although a church and vicarage already existed further up the hill at the time St John’s House was built), a Medieval hospice (a place of respite for pilgrims) or simply a house of the gentry. Two substantial stone plaques were originally located at the front of the building; these had several religious symbols on them possibly as an advert for the building’s purpose at a time when few could read. The plaques are now located within the property.
A local legend associated with the decorative plaques, indicate that the building was used by, or associated with, the Knights Hospitaller (otherwise known as St John of Jerusalem). However, to this date, there is no evidence that the Medieval Order ever owned the property.
Traditionally, the ‘double-level’ stone benches in the porch were for the pilgrims – sitting on the upper stones with their feet on the lower ones whilst the monks washed and bathed their weary and dirty feet ritually – as Christ washed the feet of his disciples.
This building retains many of its architectural features and is open to the public two days a month – check their website for open dates and times stjohns-bridgend.org.uk
