Cogan House (now Zizzi's restaurant) (page 2)

Background | More detailed early history | Woodcarvings 1 | Woodcarvings 2 | Upstairs | Other features

Detailed early history

13th century building, formerly a Hospital for the poor, with wonderful woodcarvings

More detailed early history
Opinions seem to differ over its oldest history. The note by Mattingly (1996) (see the bibliography) says that it dates back to 1203, when Thomas Cokyn founded a hospital which was united with Eastbridge Hospital along the road. However, Quiney (1993) (see the bibliography) states authoritatively that:

"building began on the site in the late twelfth century with a two-storeyed stone house belonging to Luke the Moneyer [presumably Jewish] which comprised chambers over a hall built over an undercroft in the standard way (Quiney 1993:233)

He continues to state that:

"this came into the hands of William [not Thomas] Cokyn, who lived next door, and he granted it to the hospital which he had founded shortly before 1203 (Quiney 1993:233)

So some confusion there - though I tend to believe Quiney as he gives more details! Quiney says that Cokyn built the aisled hall - part of which can still be seen (photos to come later). This is what he says:

"A large aisled hall with stone walls and a roof supported by scissor-braces was built at the rear, and this reduced the status of the front to a services and solar block." Quiney 1993:233)

As for uniting with Eastbridge Hospital, Quiney says this didn't happen until 1230:

"The hospital was not a success; about 1230 it was united with the adjoining Eastbridge Hospital [but they don't seem to be adjoining today?!] but by then Cogan house had already been leased out and returned to ordinary domestic and commercial uses." Quiney 1993:233)

 

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