The Great Hospital

Who

Walter de Suffield (d. 1257)

A Norfolk man, Walter de Suffield was consecrated Bishop of Norwich at Carrow Abbey in February 1245. He was an eloquent preacher and gave his time generously to the poor and infirm.

Even before his consecration, Suffield had begun to develop plans for a new hospital on a larger scale than had previously been contemplated in Norwich. He wanted to provide shelter and food for those who needed it and demonstrate his willingness to help others.

Suffield did not live to see his hospital reach its full potential; he died on 20^th May 1257, leaving a detailed and generous will. Of specific importance to Suffield were the clergy and patients at the Great Hospital and the continuity of the institution. 

He also allocated considerable sums of money to be distributed ‘to the poor in every place through which his body shall pass on the way to its last resting place'.

Walter de Suffield was laid to rest at the cathedral - it is said that for a few years after his death, because of the fame of his good deeds, miracles took place at his tomb.