Revealing the Charterhouse

In 2012, Eric Parry Architects won a competition to make strategic interventions at The London Charterhouse. The Charterhouse is an historic complex centred on a 14th century Carthusian Monastery. Following the Dissolution, its buildings were rebuilt as an extensive mansion house in the 16th century, and a charitable school and almshouse in the 17th century. Charterhouse School moved to Surrey in the 19th century and the almshouse (Sutton’s Hospital) remains the primary occupant of the site.

This charity, in partnership with the Museum of London, has revealed its heritage to the public. After the site was bombed in 1941, the extensive damage repaired with mixed success in the 1950s. This repair has allowed many opportunities to constructively restore, and sensitively adapt the most historic wings of the site for new uses in the continued life of the charity.

The project provided public access to a hidden treasure, the built fabric of which has witnessed key moments in the history of England and Europe. From a vastly improved and redesigned public square, the public is invited via a new entrance into a new reception, education room and museum facilities.