The Eastbridge Hospital - Part of the city since 1190

One of Canterbury’s heritage gems is hiding in plain sight, right on the High Street. Most locals will have passed it hundreds of times, without stepping inside, or knowing much about it. Yet it remains one of the city’s most interesting and historic sites and is well worth a visit. Eastbridge Hospital (orHospital of St Thomas the Martyr, Eastbridge to give it its full name) is not a hospital in the current sense, but in fact a place of ‘hospitality’.

It was founded back in 1190 by Edward FitzOdbold, a local trader, providing accommodation and hospitality for pilgrims visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. For the last 800 years the Eastbridge has given shelter and help to pilgrims, soldiers, local societies and schoolchildren.

Many may be unaware that the Eastbridge still provides a permanent home for a number of elderly people in Canterbury. An almshouse is charity-supported accommodation for the aged or those in need. The residents (or ‘Indwellers’) live independently, and all have connections to the city of Canterbury. Today, it remains in part, an almshouse and most of its historic parts are open to the public. The two chapels with the Hospital are in regular use and the Undercroft hosts a number of events throughout the year.

The Hospital is entered through a (very) low door, directly on the High St. Think about it – you have probably walked past many times, but possibly never thought about what lies within. That low door, where you step into the Undercroft is one of the city’s most historic and incredible entry points. You are quite literally walking in the footsteps of Becket’s pilgrims, for over 800 years. This first area is divided into cubicles where the pilgrims slept at the end of their weary journeys.

Over the Undercroft is the Refectory, dating back to the 12th Century. On its wall is an 800 year old mural. Further along, up a little staircase at the end is a Chapel with a beautiful roof structure, containing a ‘bell cage’. The Chapel has been used over many centuries as a schoolroom. It is believed that Christopher Marlowe, Canterbury’s celebrated Elizabethan playwright, had lessons in this room before going on to study at The Kings School.

The Eastbridge Trust also owns the wonderful Franciscan Gardens – another well kept secret in the city, a great spot by the river for peace and tranquility, a haven for wildlife and a perfect place for picnickers or those in need of a few minutes of quiet and restoration.

The Gardens will be accessed via a new High Street entrance and get their name from being the site of the first Franciscan settlement in Britain, in the 13th Century. Right in the centre of the busy city you can enjoy walking in the footsteps of the Franciscan monks as you enjoy the pretty gardens and Greyfriars Chapel. The garden is being replanted for 2021 reopening, to reflect its medieval origins. Timed entrances and guided tours will be available.

The Eastbridge Hospital and the Franciscan Gardens are fascinating and inspiring places to visit. We hope that both visitors and locals will take time out to discover this wonderful place, right on the busy High St. They look forward to welcoming you.

eastbridgehospital.org.uk 25 High St, Canterbury CT1 2BD franciscangardens.org.uk