This compact but fascinating museum is perfect if you have 30 minutes spare. You will discover The Charterhouse’s history from an emergency cemetery during the bubonic plague in 1348 through to it’s modern day community of Brothers.
History of The Charterhouse
The Charterhouse is an Almshouse and heritage site. It has a fascinating history dating back to 1348 when the site was used to bury victims of the plague. In 1371, the Charterhouse was built as a Carthusian monastery which was used throughout medieval and Tudor times. Later, it was used in a variety of ways from meetings with royalty to a school for boys attended by John Wesley amongst others. Residents still live there. Known as ‘Brothers’, they are single, over 60 who live independently but are in financial or social need.
Visiting the Museum
The museum is free to visit and displays many objects and artefacts; telling the stories from the last few centuries. To get a more in-depth experience and to see The Great Chamber, you will need to book onto one of their tours. There are two types of tour, a professional guided tour and a Brother’s tour led by one of the current residents.
Read more: Tour options at The Charterhouse
When I visited, I only had 20 minutes to spare but was told that was a perfect length of time to walk through and see everything by yourself. I would recommend a bit longer however, as although it is small, I would have liked to have read the information more thoroughly.
Getting to The Charterhouse
The nearest tube stations are Barbican and Farringdon. It took me 15 minutes to walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Read more: Best apps to plan your journey in London
Opening Times:
10.30am – 4.30pm, Tuesday – Saturday
Tours available at 11am and 2.15pm every day.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are available as well as baby changing facilities.
Eating and Drinking:
There is no cafe on site but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area.
I would recommend Smiths of Smithfield; a multi storey series of restaurants serving different types of food on each level. It has a lovely rooftop restaurant serving a bottomless brunch which is great for a trip out with friends.
A great café that you will need to book is The Chocolate Cocktail Club.
Car parking
There are a few disabled spaces for blue and orange badge holders. Call ahead to reserve a space. Alternatively, there is underground parking just next to Smithfield Market on West Smithfield.
Accessibility
The museum, shop and chapel on Charterhouse Square, are all step free
Top Tips for visiting The Charterhouse
- Every Friday 10am – 12pm there is a community space to come and have a chat with a hot drink.
- Spend time wandering around the area, looking up at the beautiful architecture.
