Spitalfields

[Viz]

Is Spitalfields where the word "hospital" comes from? Was the "ho" added at some stage and if so when?

[Quizmonster]

No, it's the other way around. 'Hospital' has been in use since the 1300s, though it had various meanings usually related to charitable accommodation of some sort to start with. By the middle of the 15th century, it had taken on its modern meaning of a place of healing.
'Spital', originally spelt 'spittle' - though it had nothing to do with spitting! - did not come into use until about two hundred years later and the district name, 'Spitalfields', not until some two centuries later still.

[jno]

the word is related to hotel and hostel, I think, all to do with accommodation. (And host, and hospitable.)

[Peter Pedant]

yeah its from Hospes

and also gives us hospitality

entertainment and putting up visitors was part of the deal.

Although I kinda think Barts Hospital was always er a hospital: Rahere as far as I remember didnt awake from his dream and exclaim, I will build a pub/bordello in Smithfield
that of course was MRs Rahere talking about the nurses' home.