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Neighbourhood Studies

No. 2 - St Cross & its Surroundings

4 Important Viewpoints & Spaces

The west of St Cross Road, looking north , with Bindon House Lodge in the foreground
The west of St Cross Road, looking north,
with Bindon House Lodge in the foreground

The land between Clausentum Road and the river to the canal is wetland; behind Back Street there are allotments, and the remaining land to the north, east and south of the Hospital is pasture and two cricket grounds with pavilions. The footpath from the city through this land to Shawford and Twyford provides some recreational facility for people within and outside the district, although to the south of the Hospital the footpath is often very muddy.

St Faith's graveyard is a small open space, perhaps not fully appreciated. It has a number of conifer trees and is used as an unofficial children's play area; falling tombstones could be a danger. The church on this site was lost early in the 16th century, since when the parishioners have worshipped at St Cross.

Places from which there are good views of the Hospital and Church

a    St Catherine's Hill: St Cross Church is an exceptional architectural jewel, and its close-knit sculptural qualities, with cathedral-like proportions, make it stand out clearly from the other Hospital buildings. This aspect of the Church can best be appreciated from St Catherine's Hill from which one gets a changing view when walking along the top.

b    St Giles Hill.

c    Royal Hampshire County Hospital (certain rear wards).

d    The pastures to the south and east.

e    St Cross Road to the west.

f    Cripstead Lane looking down Back Street.

g    On the path from the city, just south of Cripstead Lane.

h    From the Tun Bridge car park.

i    From the north field adjoining Bushfield Camp.

j    From the butterfly reserve as far away as Magdalen Hill Down the Church still shows up sharply.

Back Street, looking north towards Cripstead Lane
Back Street, looking north towards Cripstead Lane

Other important views in the area

k

From the south end of Back Street towards Cripstead Lane.

l

From the top of Mead Road to St Catherine's Hill with the Master's Lodge in the foreground. It should be noted that any development on the St Cross Road frontage in front of the Master's Lodge might harm this view.

m

Looking north along St Cross Road from The Grange Lodge towards the "village".

n

Looking south along St Cross Road from Stanmore Lane towards the "village".

o

From near St Faith's School southwards to a picturesque medieval timber frame house with gable, jetty and chimney projecting towards the street. This provides a link between Edwardian and medieval St Cross.

p

View from St Cross Road down Barnes Close to the centrally-placed 120 Christchurch Road with decorative white-painted wood porch and other attractive features.

q

The open character of the allotments gives a wide open view from Back Street to the water meadows and St Catherine's Hill. The allotments have potential for residential development.