The infirmary complex at Fountains stood to
the east of the main cloister and was the work of Abbot John
of Kent (1220-1247). It replaced an earlier structure, which
John had demolished to make way for the enlargement of the presbytery
of the church. Little of the infirmary complex remains standing,
but in the Middle Ages this would have formed an impressive range
of buildings. Indeed, it was in many ways the jewel in the crown
of Abbot John’s building programme, not simply on account
of its size and splendour, but the its complex construction, for
John had to divert the River Skell and build a platform upon which
the infirmary could stand. To do so, he canalised the river through
four stone-vaulted tunnels. These extended over 75 metres and supported
the necessary platform.(81) This was quite a remarkable achievement.
The infirmary complex included a hall, chapel, kitchen and latrine
block (reredorters). Fresh air and gentle exercise
were considered
important to aid recovery and the infirmary had its own cloister
with open arcades, which provided a space for the inmates to sit
or to take a stroll.
Abbot John’s range of infirmary buildings
served the community throughout the Middle Ages, but the complex
was altered and renovated
by his successors. Excavations in the nineteenth century revealed
in the late fourteenth century the open-hall infirmary was subdivided
into apartments. Similar developments occurred elsewhere, at a
time when there was greater concern for privacy and comfort. Other
changes included the construction of a new chapel and misericord,
and the insertion of Tudor windows.(82)