Have you ever wanted a more in-depth look at some of the historic interiors of The Charterhouse? Do you want to learn more about the valuable collection of Flemish tapestries and paintings hanging on the walls of this historic building? Join Caroline Powell and Kelly Coburn for a special Historic Houses tour of Smithfield and The Charterhouse.
Our tour begins with an introduction to the Smithfield area, including St Bartholomew the Great and the Less, St Barts hospital and, of course, Smithfield meat market. Prepare to be shocked too, as the area was the site of the execution of William Wallace and many of the Marian martyrs.
The Charterhouse, founded in 1371, has been a monastery, a grand mansion, a boys’ school and an almshouse.
Initially a Black Death burial ground, the site became home to the largest Carthusian monastery in the world until it was brutally dissolved in 1537 when 16 monks became proto-martyrs of the Reformation.
A grand Tudor mansion replaced the monastery. Elizabeth I spent the first days of her reign at The Charterhouse and James I (of England) created 133 Barons in the Great Chamber prior to his coronation.
In 1611 Thomas Sutton acquired the mansion and site to house his new charity, an almshouse and school. The school separated and moved out of London in 1872 but the almhouse thrives to this day amidst the medieval, Tudor, Jacobean and later architecture that makes the site so fascinating.
Tickets £30 including coffee before the start of the tour
We will meet outside Barbican underground station but if you are unable to get there for 9:30 am we will regroup outside The Charterhouse at 10:30 am for coffee before the tour at 11:00. Just let us know so we are not waiting for you at the tube station!
Event organiser is Historic Houses
Disclaimer: All information was correct when the listing was prepared. Any questions about the event should be directed to the event organiser.