The Charterhouse

The Charterhouse We are an almshouse, home to a vibrant community, as well as a heritage site dating back to 1348. We look forward to welcoming you.

The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348. Founded as a medieval monastery of the Carthusian order, the site became a Tudor mansion, a boys’ school, and an almshouse, which it remains to this day. We provide accommodation for over 40 individuals known as ‘Brothers’ who form part of the community alongside staff, private and commercial tenants, and residents of the Infirmary.

Our historic and peaceful 7 acre site is an inspiring location for filming and private events. In late January 2017 we opened our doors to the public for the first time in our 660 year history as part of the Revealing the Charterhouse project. Come and discover our fascinating story revealed through our free museum and tour programme!

Following on from our previous post, some contemporary highlights associated with our garden Square include:The Square w...
18/08/2026

Following on from our previous post, some contemporary highlights associated with our garden Square include:

The Square was re-designed by renowned British Landscape Architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan in 2017 for its re-opening to the public (including the distinctive benches).

Scenes from The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) were filmed here.

The Art Deco architecture of Florin Court was the on-screen home of Hercule Poirot in the classic 1980s adaptation Agatha Christie's Poirot starring David Suchet. (Whitehaven Mansions for the Poirot fans!)

If you're walking through after dark, you can enjoy the gentle, atmospheric glow of both original and new gaslighting.

As with much of London, there is more to Charterhouse Square than meets the eye!

Whether you’re walking through with your morning coffee, taking a quiet lunch break, or just looking for a spot to sit f...
17/08/2026

Whether you’re walking through with your morning coffee, taking a quiet lunch break, or just looking for a spot to sit for a while, Charterhouse Square is a rather special place to pause.

While it is a peaceful spot to sit today, this distinctive pentagonal green space and its surroundings have a few stories to tell. In fact, too many for just one post, so here are a few historic highlights:

It was used as an emergency cemetery during the Black Death in the 14th century.

Remnants of the medieval London Charterhouse monastery are visible in the chequered wall and wooden gate by the red post box.

The beautifully restored Tudor buildings visible on the north side of the Square once hosted royalty, including Elizabeth I and James I of England, and are now home to our almshouse residents.

Important society figures, including Catherine Parr, once lived around the Square.

More to come in part 2!

13/08/2026

Step through our gates into our tranquil courtyard gardens and soak up a beautiful summer evening with us. We’ll have live music, pop-up bars for a refreshing drink, and delicious food options including fresh pizza or an indulgent afternoon tea.

It’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening!

Head to our website for further info and to plan your visit.

During the recent heatwave, Clerkenwell Pollinator Path collected data to compare temperatures across Islington's built ...
11/08/2026

During the recent heatwave, Clerkenwell Pollinator Path collected data to compare temperatures across Islington's built environment and green spaces.

The aim of this study is to build a clear, evidence-based picture of how urban greenery cools our cities and supports long-term climate resilience.

These surface temperature readings capture the heat radiating from the resin-bound surface of Entrance Court compared to the greenery of Master's Garden. It is a powerful reminder of the value of our courtyard gardens, not just as part of our heritage and day-to-day enjoyment, but as part of vital, cooling ecosystems for the city today.

While this might be a less well-known view of the Charterhouse, it’s very familiar to anyone arriving through the Gateho...
10/08/2026

While this might be a less well-known view of the Charterhouse, it’s very familiar to anyone arriving through the Gatehouse entrance today.

Dating back to 1545, this was once the entrance to the Tudor mansion. It originally contained the Long Gallery, which was the most important reception room in the house before the creation of the Great Chamber.

Like much of the Charterhouse, the building's purpose has evolved over the centuries. Following the Second World War, architects Seely & Paget adapted the rooms, which had been used as apartments for the Master, into living quarters for the almshouse residents, or Brothers, which they remain today.

&Paget

One of the most fascinating and elegant architectural remains at the Charterhouse is this intact monastic cell doorway i...
07/08/2026

One of the most fascinating and elegant architectural remains at the Charterhouse is this intact monastic cell doorway in the Norfolk Cloister. Known as Cell B, it is one of 23 lettered cells that housed monks at the London Charterhouse during the 14th century. It has even retained its medieval tiles.

There is a serving hatch to its left, where a lay brother would have left food for the solitary monk who remained inside the cell for six days a week, immersed in silent contemplation and prayer.

Just visible at the top left is a shield which would have displayed a sponsor's coat of arms. There would have been two over the doorway of each cell along the cloisters, ensuring prayers would be said for their souls.

It's a wonderful piece of evidence from a very different community who once lived on our historic estate in Clerkenwell, and helps us to imagine what their daily life might have been like for some of the residents.

Photo (c) Nick Guttridge

Some of our residents have been busy helping the Horticulture team to maintain our gardens. As members of Garden Club, t...
05/08/2026

Some of our residents have been busy helping the Horticulture team to maintain our gardens. As members of Garden Club, they tackle everything from pruning and weeding to fruit harvesting.

When they aren't helping to maintain the flora, they’re looking out for the fauna. The Club has also taken on some "Citizen Science" work, counting and recording local birds, beetles and bees including as part of the Clerkenwell Pollinator Path project.

We're incredibly lucky to have this greenspace here in Clerkenwell, and even luckier to have a fantastic group of residents helping to keep it in top shape for everyone to enjoy this summer!

We recently celebrated the 400th anniversary of John Donne becoming a Governor of the Charterhouse.Pictured here is a gl...
03/08/2026

We recently celebrated the 400th anniversary of John Donne becoming a Governor of the Charterhouse.

Pictured here is a glimpse into our archive: it is one of the Assembly Order Books in our collection. These bound volumes contain the minutes taken at historic Governors Assembly meetings.

If you look closely at the page on the right, you can spot John Donne's signature, alongside those of other Governors who were in attendance at a sub-committee meeting held on 6 November 1626.

Photo courtesy: The London Archives

Add a touch of London history to your summer days out!From our fascinating historic buildings and rooms to our tranquil ...
31/07/2026

Add a touch of London history to your summer days out!

From our fascinating historic buildings and rooms to our tranquil gardens, there is plenty to enjoy at the Charterhouse this summer:

Charterhouse Square: Open Tue – Sun (early morning to dusk)
Museum Display & Chapel: Tue – Sat (10:30am – 4:30pm)
Historic Buildings & Rooms Tours: Tue – Sat (11:00am & 2:15pm)
Summer Gardens Tours: Tuesdays (1:00pm)

Oh, and did we mention our museum display is beautifully air-conditioned?!

Nearest stations: Farringdon (Elizabeth Line accessible) & Barbican.

Head to our website to book your tours!

When Resident Tim took this photo recently, he thought he’d spotted a giraffe in the greenery.On closer inspection, we t...
30/07/2026

When Resident Tim took this photo recently, he thought he’d spotted a giraffe in the greenery.

On closer inspection, we think it might actually be Nessie! Perhaps the Loch Ness Monster has taken a trip to London to enjoy our amazing sunshine? If so, she’s going to be rather disappointed by the size of our pond...

Address

The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square
London
EC1M6AN

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10:30am - 4:45pm
Friday 10:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

0203 8188873

Website

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