Domus Dei

The first hospital in Portsmouth, Domus Dei or the Hospital of St Nicholas, was founded in 1212 by Peter de Rupibus, Bishop of Winchester (who also founded St Thomas' Hospital in London). It continued to give sanctuary to both pilgrims and the poor until 1540 when it was closed by Henry VIII's reformation of the monasteries. It covered much of Governor's Green with the Garrison Church now being the only visible reminder. A forthcoming Time Team programme is based on this interesting piece of Portsmouth's history.