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!

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

08/10/2026
Today is the feast day of St Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian Order in Chartreuse, France. Known for their au...
06/10/2026

Today is the feast day of St Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian Order in Chartreuse, France. Known for their austere humility, solitary lifestyle, and strict avoidance of public praise, the Carthusians have also left a surprisingly spirited legacy.

While we are remembering St Bruno in our chapel today, you might prefer to mark the occasion by raising a glass of Chartreuse.

In 1605, the French diplomat the Duke of Estrées gifted an "alchemical manuscript" to a Carthusian monastery near Paris. It contained a mysterious recipe for an "elixir of long life," which eventually became the famous Chartreuse liqueur still produced by the order today.

The monks originally intended it as a medicine or health-giving tonic. To this day, the pure elixir is traditionally taken not by the glass, but by placing a few drops on a sugar cube or stirring it into a cup of hot herbal tea.

Planning to visit us? We look forward to welcoming you, but please note the Visitor Centre and Chapel will be closed on ...
05/10/2026

Planning to visit us?

We look forward to welcoming you, but please note the Visitor Centre and Chapel will be closed on Saturday 10th, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October.

You can plan your trip and check our regular opening hours on our website, link in first comment.

02/10/2026

Walking into an ethereal Master's Court, glowing in the golden early morning September sun. You really can't ever take the beauty of these historic buildings for granted.

Make the most of the darker evenings with The Charterhouse Candlelight Evening Tour.Experience our beautiful historic bu...
01/10/2026

Make the most of the darker evenings with The Charterhouse Candlelight Evening Tour.

Experience our beautiful historic buildings as they were meant to be seen - bathed in the atmospheric glow of candlelight. Join our expert guides to uncover the hidden stories of the Charterhouse after dark.

Dates: Thursday 29 October, Tuesday 3 November, Tuesday 1 and Thursday 10 December
6:00 PM: Doors open. Relax and mingle with a complimentary glass of w**e (or soft drink) in the stunning Great Chamber.
6:30 PM & 6:45 PM: Your 60-minute guided candlelight tour begins.

It is a magical way to experience centuries of history.

Secure your spot now via the link in the first comment.

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

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