In 1614
Thomas Coningsby converted what had originally been the conventual buildings of the
Blackfriars Monastery and the preceptory of the
Knights of St John of Jerusalem to a hospital for old soldiers and serving men. The hospital consisted of 12 cottages on the site, a chapel, a refectory and offices. The chapel was restored in 1868. Coningsby made rules that required a chaplain to preach a sermon and march the pensioners to
Hereford Cathedral every Sunday. The communal living area was converted to a museum in the 1970s. During the work a skeleton was found at the site. Initially thought to be a monk of the Blackfriars, analysis of the bones in 2007 revealed the remains may have been that of a woman. The bones have remained on public display in its grave under the floor. ==Current use==