Veterans home opens prayer service to the public

An historic home for veterans has opened up a centuries-old tradition to the public for the first time.

The Lord Leycester, in Warwick, invited members of the public to join its Brethen's Prayers service on Wednesday.

The daily service has been a feature of the venue's chapel since it was first devised by founder Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, more than 450 years ago.

Daren Boyer, master of the Lord Leycester, said the public opening was "very successful" and about 25 people had attended.

The medieval hospital was founded in the 16th Century to treat soldiers wounded in war and is still home to many veterans, know as brethren.

Wednesday's public event was devised with the aim of showcasing what goes on at the site, with the prayers still following the exact wording and format from when the daily service first began.

Seven ex-military personnel live at the venue and attend the service when possible, including Peter Taylor, a resident of 19 years.

"I've never had a permanent home of my own and never brought any property, I've been in married quarters, so I had to find something like this where I could be accommodated which has been a wonderful thing," the retired serviceman said.

"I just don't know where I would have ended up to be perfectly honest."

Plans are also in place to open the prayer service to the public every month going forward, with the unheated chapel lit only by candlelight.

Members of the public who attended on Wednesday described the service as "really special" and "moving".

"It was lovely to be able to come and join with a very historic event," one woman said.

Boyer stated: "Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves - we met up afterwards for tea and coffee and an opportunity for members of the public to talk to the brothers, which is really nice."

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