The Charterhouse

The Charterhouse has been living the nation’s history since 1348. Founded as a medieval monastery of the Carthusian order, the site then became a grand Tudor mansion, a boys’ school, and an almshouse, which it remains to this day.

Take a journey through seven centuries of history around this stunning seven acre site that was hidden for over 660 years behind its high walls in Clerkenwell. Step inside and you can re-live the many significant and famous moments in London’s history to which this ancient site has borne witness.

Now our almshouse residents (known as Brothers) welcome you to share the heritage of these lovely buildings and gardens they call home. Take a guided tour through wonderfully preserved medieval, Tudor, and Jacobean architecture and interiors, walking in the footsteps of silent monks as they processed along the cloister, and of Elizabeth I as she prepared for her coronation in the Great Chamber. This dramatic Chamber has recently regained its original splendour and is now hung with the Charterhouse collection of 17th Century portraits of Governors, the movers and shakers of their time.

As well as daytime tours, we have annual events including our relaxed Open Gardens evenings, our glittering Christmas Fair, and coming up this winter, new evening Candlelit Tours. And it's free to visit our Museum, Chapel and browse around our Shop.