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THE CHARTERHOUSE NOW OPEN
TO THE PUBLIC
The Charterhouse, set adjacent to the
ancient boundaries of the City of London
in Clerkenwell, is a remarkable assembly
of historic buildings dating from the 14th
century. In January parts of the
Charterhouse were opened to the public
for the first time in its 660 year history,
revealing the great story of this important
London landmark which has been ‘living
the nation’s history since 1348’.
With its partner the Museum of
London, the Charterhouse has created a
new museum within the Tudor mansion,
as well as a Learning Centre, cafe and
exhibition space. All were formally
opened on 28 February by Her Majesty
The Queen, accompanied by His Royal
Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
The museum houses an exhibition,
curated by Dr Cathy Ross, Honorary
Research Fellow at the Museum of
London, where she was Director of
Collections and Learning until 2013
which tells the story of the Charterhouse
and its role in key moments in English
history, using artefacts from its own
Lawrence Watson photography.
collection, together with others from the
Museum of London and other collections.
The story of the Charterhouse is the
story of our nation. It begins in 1348
during the Black Death when the land was
used as a burial ground for victims of the
plague. In 1371, the Charterhouse was
built and a Carthusian monastery
flourished on the site. Elizabeth 1
convened the Privy Council here in the
days before her coronation in 1558, and
James 1 followed her lead by staying at
the Charterhouse prior to his coronation.
In 1611, Thomas Sutton, a wealthy
businessman, bought the Charterhouse
and established the foundation that now
bears his name providing a home for up
to 80 Brothers: ‘either decrepit or old
captaynes either at sea or at land, maimed
or disabled soldiers, merchants fallen on
hard times, those ruined by shipwreck of
other calamity’ and for 40 poor scholars
(which became Charterhouse School).
Large parts of the buildings were
damaged in the Blitz of May 1941. Yet it
was faithfully restored and is now home to
over 40 Brothers.
The museum, overseen by the Museum
& Collections manager Ellie Darton-
Moore and the Learning Centre managed
by Cynthia Adobea-Aidoo, are accessed
through the new public entrance designed
by Eric Parry Architects. Charterhouse
Square has been re-designed, inspired by
its 18th century layout, by Todd
Longstaffe-Cowan.
Islington has the least green space of
any London borough and the refurbished
garden square offers nearly 2 acres of
open land to be enjoyed by the public.
The cafe will be serving tea, coffee,
light lunches and a Brothers lunch
special, featuring classic English fare. The
project was funded by the Heritage Lottery
Fund and a range of other generous
supporters including Helical plc, Charles
Hayward Foundation, Sir John Cass’s
Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation,
John Lyon’s Charity, Mercers Charity,
Monument Trust, Sackler Trust, Garfield
Weston Foundation, The Schroder
Foundation, The City Bridge Trust,
Christian Levett and The Lyon Family
Trust. Further information at the website
www.thecharterhouse.org
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • t h i s i s l o n d o n o n l i n e