Lord Leycester welcomes latest Brother

At a traditional ‘robing’ ceremony in the chapel of St James over the West Gate, the 68-year-old former soldier and his wife Sharon became the latest couple to join the community of ex-servicemen and their wives who live in the medieval buildings at the west end of High Street.

John was delighted to don the traditional Elizabethan gown and black hat and was itching to get started.

“Sharon and I are really looking forward to our new life here at the hospital,” said John, who served for 25 years.

“Our first big event will be the Candlelit Tours taking place on December 8 when I will be helping to welcome families to the hospital for an evening of fun in the run-up to Christmas.”

Never utilised as a medical establishment, the hospital was set up by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, as a retirement home for old warriors.