Memorials of the Hospital of St. Cross and Alms House of Noble Poverty 1868

This is the title page of “Memorials of the Hospital of St. Cross and Alms House of Noble Poverty” by L.M. Humbert. Notice the small emblem to the left, it depicts a shield. Shields, throughout history, have functioned as both literal and symbolic protection. In ancient times, a family's status and identity were emblazoned on their shields, as we see on this book cover. The shield symbolizes the family's history, values, and the protection they offer, mirroring the sacred role of the hospital itself. The idea of offering sanctuary goes back to ancient Greece where temples provided asylum to those in need. Just as the shield safeguards a family's legacy, so too does the hospital protect and care for the vulnerable, creating a continuum of defense and care. The shield's form and the hospital's function are deeply connected to the human desire for safety and continuity, resonating through ages in the collective memory.