THE CARE OF THE BODY
“_Let there be in the infirmary thirteen sick persons in their beds,
and let them be kindly and duly supplied with food and all else
that shall tend to their convalescence or comfort._” (Statutes of
Northallerton.[103])
In considering the provision for material comfort in hospitals, one
must distinguish between residents and sojourners. Board and clothing
had to be found for the leper or the almsman, and the sick needed food
and shelter for a time. Travellers either called for doles in passing,
or required supper, bed and breakfast. Upon every pilgrim, sick or
well, spending the night at St. Thomas’, Canterbury, four-pence was
expended from the goods of the hospital. Bodily necessaries of life may
be classified under the headings food, fuel, baths, bedding and clothes.