The Charterhouse

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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!

Thomas Sutton's tomb at the Charterhouse LondonAfter Thomas Sutton's death in 1611, the Governors commissioned a grand t...
23/10/2026

Thomas Sutton's tomb at the Charterhouse London

After Thomas Sutton's death in 1611, the Governors commissioned a grand tomb for the chapel. In 1842, the vault beneath it was temporarily opened due to repairs being carried out.

Inside, Sutton's perfectly preserved remains were found in a custom-shaped lead coffin. But those present were surprised by one detail: he appeared to be of remarkably short stature.

The reason gives us a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century burial practices. Because Sutton’s grand funeral was delayed for several months, his body had to be embalmed. At the time, this meant removing the spine, which naturally shortened the remains.

The coffin was respectfully resealed beneath the chapel floor shortly after opening, where he continues to rest to this day.

Photo ©️ Nick Guttridge

Venture behind the gates of the Charterhouse after hours and explore our historic interiors exactly as they would have b...
22/10/2026

Venture behind the gates of the Charterhouse after hours and explore our historic interiors exactly as they would have been seen centuries ago - by flickering candlelight.

Your 60 minute tour includes access to the medieval Norfolk Cloister, the Tudor Great Chamber, and historic courtyards, with a complimentary glass of w**e or soft drink before we begin.

Dates: Thursday 29 October, Tuesday 3 November, Tuesday 1 and Thursday 10 December.

We have only a few tickets left for the first tour of the season, so make sure you book for the remaining dates before they book up as well!

Click the link in the first comment for info and to book.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns to the Charterhouse!Get into the spirit of and join us in the Great Chamber for a s...
20/10/2026

Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns to the Charterhouse!

Get into the spirit of and join us in the Great Chamber for a special performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, .

Charterhouse resident and actor, Mansel David, reprises his solo adaptation, transporting you to the heart of Victorian London as he brings Ebenezer , Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and others to life.

Date: Wednesday 2 December
Time: 18:00 - 20:20
Tickets: £25 (includes a glass of mulled w**e, or mulled apple juice, and a mince pie on arrival!)

Book: Find out more and book tickets via our website.

Illustration: Marley's Ghost by John Leech 1843 Courtesy British Library (Shelfmark: C.58.b.7)

Photo: Mansel David in the Great Hall (c) Sekh-Fei De Lacy

Coffee, cake, and a generous community! Thank you to everyone who joined our Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Community S...
19/10/2026

Coffee, cake, and a generous community!

Thank you to everyone who joined our Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Community Space on Friday 2 October. We are thrilled to announce that we raised £182.63 for Cancer Support!

Special thanks to the residents who hosted and led the morning, and whose warmth and hard work made the event a huge success.

Your donations will directly help fund specialist nurses and free support services so that no one has to face cancer alone. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity. 💚

This December, enjoy a luxury Ch*****ne Afternoon Tea in London's last surviving Tudor Great Chamber. With artisan savou...
16/10/2026

This December, enjoy a luxury Ch*****ne Afternoon Tea in London's last surviving Tudor Great Chamber. With artisan savoury sandwiches, exquisite seasonal patisserie, live grand piano music, and a tour of curated Tudor highlights of our historic house, it promises to be a truly memorable way to celebrate.

Curious about the menu? Click the link in our first comment to discover the full details and secure your table for any of our three exclusive dates.

Photo: Shot By Philippa Sian Photography


As autumn settles over the Norfolk Garden, some of our nocturnal visitors are preparing for their winter rest. Since Mar...
15/10/2026

As autumn settles over the Norfolk Garden, some of our nocturnal visitors are preparing for their winter rest.

Since March, our wonderful expert volunteer Sarah has led our monthly moth-trapping sessions (rest assured, no moths are harmed in the process!).

Our final session of the season, also attended by members of London Together, recorded 11 moths across four species:
• Light brown apple moth
• Large yellow underwing
• Turnip moth
•Tachystola acroxantha ...plus one mysterious, 'unidentifiable worn species'!

As the weather turns, most of these important pollinators will lie dormant over the winter months, ready to become active again next spring.

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with Christmas Carols by Candlelight at the Charterhouse! Join us in our historic...
13/10/2026

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with Christmas Carols by Candlelight at the Charterhouse!

Join us in our historic chapel for an evening of live festive music led by the wonderful . Experience a captivating atmosphere in the heart of the city, with traditional carols, festive readings by special guest speakers and flickering candlelight.

Stay afterward and mingle with a complimentary glass of mulled w**e and a warm mince pie - the perfect way to kick off your London Christmas season!

Dates: December 8 & 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Book your tickets now via the link in the first comment.

From the Charterhouse to Rhode Island!Discover the fascinating story of Roger Williams in our upcoming lecture by The Re...
12/10/2026

From the Charterhouse to Rhode Island!

Discover the fascinating story of Roger Williams in our upcoming lecture by The Rev’d Professor Maggi Dawn. He didn't just lay the foundations for what would become the state of Rhode Island; his radical ideas on separating church and state helped shape modern civic life on both sides of the Atlantic.

Join us as we trace his incredible journey and lasting legacy.

5:45pm: Doors open
6:00pm – 7:00pm: Lecture in the Great Chamber
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Drinks reception

Follow the link in the first comment for tickets.

Photos:
Maggi Dawn
Roger Williams, J.D. Gross 1840 (engraving) Scan NYPL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Designed by architect Francis Carter around 1612, the Chapel Cloister was built shortly after Thomas Sutton purchased th...
09/10/2026

Designed by architect Francis Carter around 1612, the Chapel Cloister was built shortly after Thomas Sutton purchased the Charterhouse to establish his charity, comprising both an almshouse and a school.

Today, this stone-flagged arcade remains a lovely place to pause for a moment of quiet reflection. The open arched windows look out onto Chapel Court, letting natural light stream in and frequently casting beautiful shadows across the historic stonework.

Look closely, and the cloister reveals stories of our past. Monuments lining the walls remember notable school alumni like William Makepeace Thackeray, Roger Williams, and John Wesley. Beneath your feet, the floor holds the graves of former Masters, Organists, and their families.

Photo ©️ Nick Guttridge

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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