“Homepage”:http://www.thecharterhouse.org/
Hidden away in a noisy, bustling part of the City of London this sheltered, calm and peaceful haven provides a wonderful opportunity to step back in time to the sixteenth century to the home of Thomas Sutton who offered his home as a refuge for 80 Brothers who had fallen on hard times to retire to. The site was originally a burial ground for victims of the Black Death, some of whom have been unearthed during the building of the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail). A Carthusian monastery was built shortly after and remained until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. The famous school was housed on the site until it moved to Godalming in 1872.
Today you can still meet the residents – Brothers – not religious brethren but men in need of a home, they undertake tours of the site and point out the areas made famous by the many movies filmed there! They also, with a great love of the place, have a full history stored away to relay to visitors. A variety of charged Tours, that you’d be advised to book, are available, from the aforesaid Brother’s Tour to a Standard professional guide’s tour and the Garden Tour; the Museum is free to enter and the public are welcome to attend services in the Chapel. Charterhouse is open Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year. It is fully accessible and even has a wheelchair available should you need one. There is also a cafe. Public transport is available nearby and there are a few Blue Badge parking places.
Charterhouse has only been made available for visits from members of the public for the past year so, before it becomes one of the most popular places to visit in the City, go along and experience this tranquil yet fascinating home for older gentlemen!
