St Bartholomew's Hospital 

Origins 

The medieval hospital of St Bartholomew lies just outside the walled town on land next to the road leading from Worth and Dover. It was founded in 1217 as a direct result of the Battle of Sandwich, which was fought at sea on St Bartholomew’s Day (24 August), in that year. Some of the wealth from the spoils of the defeat of the French were used for the foundation of this hospital, which was named in honour of the saint who had clearly been responsible for the great victory
The hospital was originally a hostel for poor mariners, travellers and pilgrims, but over the years its role changed and in later times it provided long term care for local people. The hospital was always managed by the town authorities, which saved it from Henry VIII when he confiscated and destroyed so much church property during the Dissolution. The original medieval chapel still stands and consists of a chancel, a nave and north chapel. 

Almshouses 

The hospital continues in use today as almshouses for local people. Since 1995, it has been run by an independent charity that charges no rent, just a below-market maintenance charge for the upkeep and repair of the buildings. Its chapel is surrounded on three sides by cottages, which offer comfortable accommodation to the 16 Brothers and Sisters who live here. All candidates for admission must have lived in Sandwich for at least five years. If accepted, they are expected to maintain the spirit of brotherhood and friendship which has existed for more than 800 years. 

Most of the cottages were built or refaced during the 19th century but two, those to the east of the chapel, incorporate elements of a 15th-century timber-framed building and a brick house from about 1700. The early 13th-century chapel was extensively restored in about 1880 by the great Victorian Gothic architect, Sir Gilbert Scott, but it still has some fine 13th-century architecture. 

The Battle of Sandwich 

During the civil war between King John (reigned 1199-1216) and his barons, many of the barons supported the claims of Prince Louis of France to the English crown. Louis was invited to take the English throne and landed with his army at Stonar, opposite Sandwich, early in 1216. He rapidly gained control of most of south-east England and was proclaimed King in London in May 1216, although he was not crowned. When King John died in October of the same year, he was replaced by the boy king Henry III (John’s son). Many of the barons deserted the French cause and this placed Louis in a difficult situation. 

In 1217, Louis’s wife, Blanche of Castille, with the help of Eustace the Monk, raised a force to reinforce Louis’s expedition. On 24 August, a French fleet of ten large ships carrying more than 100 knights, and seventy smaller ships carrying supplies, set off from France. They intended to cross the English Channel and sail up the Thames, to meet up with Louis in London. 

The English hastily assembled troops and a fleet at Sandwich to intercept the enemy. They were commanded by Hubert de Burgh, Sheriff of Kent, Constable of Dover Castle and Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. A major naval battle was fought just off the town. The English were victorious and nearly all the French vessels were either taken or destroyed; thirty-two knights were captured and taken back to Sandwich. Shortly after, Louis was forced to make peace under English terms and withdraw. Henry III ruled England for the next 56 years (1216-1272)