The Sisters were founded in the Middle Ages to welcome pilgrims 'en route' across Europe to Compostella in Spain. About the year 1231 a small group of women decided to consecrate their lives to the service of those in need and opened a hostel in Tournai (Belgium). This first Fraternity lived according to the Rule of St Augustine, received alms and gave hospitality to the poor who came to them for help.
At the beginning of the 14th Century, when plague, famine and wars began to decimate the population and hinder travelling, the hostel was transformed into a hospital and care of the sick became the Sisters' main work. The hospital chapel was dedicated to St Andrew (c.1239) and the Community soon became known by the name of the apostle Andrew.
The Religious of St Andrew came first to England in 1863, and it was in 1896 that St. Andrew's Coventry Hall, Streatham was founded. The Community and school grew and developed. At the outbreak of World War II the school was evacuated to Worthing and subsequently to Haslemere and Liphook before finally coming to Edenbridge in September 1943.
Today, together with a small ecumenical team, the Sisters continue to welcome pilgrims in their house in the heart of Kent, for a retreat or a time of rest and silence.
Eden Hall with its beautiful grounds and surroundings offers a space to be able to think ….. to pray …..or simply to be.
