jan 1, 1590 - maisondieu

Description:

Literally ‘god’s house’, a hospital or refuge for the old and infirm. Such institutions were in all major towns and cities from the fourteenth century. 1374 <i> in domo Dei super Pontem Use </i> (SS4/93); 1398 <i> the Masyndew on Ouse Bridge </i> (SS186/90); 1432 <i> to the Goddes house in Paradise a rough felt </i>, Scarborough (SS30/22); 1434 <i> et pauperibus in domo dei super pontem Use </i>, York (SS192/14). There were several such houses in York and others in Beverley, Hull, Ripon and Tickhill, and the French word passed into general use, e.g. 1365 <i> in Hospitali meo juxta Kyngeston predictam vocato la Maison Dieu </i>, Hull (SS4/77); 1480 <i> octo pauperum in quadam Masyndew </i>, Ripon (SS78/162). In some early references where it appears to be a surname it may simply be a way of identifying an old or sick resident: 1553 Alice <i> de Maysyndw </i>, Ripon (SS81/299). Typically spelled 'measondue' later: 1590 <i> agreed that Anne Talor, a poore old woman, shalbe placed in the measondewe upon Owsbrigge in the place which is now voyde by the deathe of Elizabeth Trewe, </i>York (YRS138/129).

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