1431 is the date above the archway. It marks the date that the foundation stones were laid and the Monastery of the Holy Ghost was created. Located in the heart of Aalborg, Denmark, it is the oldest Social Housing Institution in the country. A Christian home for those who were in need. Over the centuries the Monastery has served a variety of community functions. Hospital, Grammar School and even during WW2 a secret home for the Churchill Club. Through all this the original concept of housing those in need continued.

I am sure the interior is full of historical links, sadly when we visited it was pre-booked tours only…. but we did get a glimpse of the Monastery through its impressive archway.

I did say the that the Monastery is in the centre of Aalborg. Maybe it is a measure of its importance to the town, that originally its location was on the outskirts. Over the years Aalborg has grown and now surrounds the Monastery.

If those cobble stones could talk I bet they could tell many stories… even a few Ghost Stories. One is of a Young Lady who was immured in one of the pillars by a Wealthy lover. Then of course there is the Ghost who walks the corridors at New Year.

Ghost stories aside they do not hide the true importance, over many centuries, to the lives of so many. True compassion and all made possible by one lady, Maren Hemmings and her sponsorship.

Always worth taking care of others, and importantly those less fortunate… so as always…

Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

8th October

(C) David Oakes 2026