Eastbridge Hospital of Saint Thomas the Martyr

12th century hospital for pilgrims - probably founded in 1176
(Go to page 2, for the interior)
(Go to page 3, for a large old print of the building)

An old 18th century view of the hospital - compare it with the view now.
Notice that the ground level has risen as the road has been improved.

 


Notes: My information is mainly taken from the excellent booklet available at the hospital, researched by Rachel Hayes.

The Hospital was founded in 1176, 6 years after Thomas a Becket was killed in the cathedral, to help cope with the huge numbers of pilgrims coming to see his tomb. It was a Hospital in the old sense - a place of hospitality. Compare it with St. John's, another of Canterbury's 9 old hospitals.

It is a wonderful, atmospheric building with a superb beamed ceiling in the chapel from around 1285. See the next pages for photos.

 

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