The story
The Charterhouse was founded in 1371 as a Carthusian monastery, on land that had been used as a burial ground during the Black Death. In 1535, several of its monks were executed for refusing to accept Henry VIII as head of the Church, and the monastery was closed soon after.
The buildings became a grand Tudor mansion, where Elizabeth I and James I stayed. In 1611, the wealthy merchant Thomas Sutton bought it and founded a school for boys and an almshouse for elderly men. The school, Charterhouse, moved to Surrey in 1872, but the almshouse continues, and its residents are still known as Brothers. The site opened to the public in 2017, with a small museum and chapel.
What to look for
- The museum, telling the story of the site.
- The chapel, with Thomas Sutton's tomb.
- The Great Hall and Great Chamber, seen on guided tours.
- Charterhouse Square, one of London's quietest squares.
Combine it with
Smithfield Market, St Bartholomew the Great, the Barbican and Clerkenwell are all within a few minutes' walk.
Visiting tips
The museum and chapel are usually free, while guided tours, sometimes led by Brothers, have a charge and should be booked ahead. Remember that the Charterhouse is a home for its residents, so some areas are private.
Getting there
Barbican station is a short walk, and Farringdon has the Elizabeth line and Thameslink. With Mason & Green, we can drop you at Charterhouse Square.
Frequently asked questions
Who lives at the Charterhouse?
A community of elderly residents, known as Brothers, live in the almshouse founded by Thomas Sutton in 1611.
Can you visit the Charterhouse?
Yes. The museum and chapel are open on set days, and guided tours run regularly.
Was Charterhouse School here?
Yes. The school began here in 1611 and moved to Surrey in 1872.