The Charterhouse

Six centuries of continuous history converge in a single complex on the edge of Smithfield — The Charterhouse has been a Carthusian monastery, a Tudor mansion, a boys' school, and since 1611 an almshouse whose residents still live on site. The event spaces span medieval cloisters, a Tudor Great Chamber, formal reception halls, and outdoor gardens, all within walls that create a genuine sense of seclusion from the City streets surrounding them.

Historic Spaces at The Charterhouse

The range is remarkable. The Great Chamber is the last surviving Tudor Great Chamber in London — portraits of Restoration Governors line its walls. The Great Hall features a Tudor arched ceiling suited to formal dinners. The Norfolk Cloister, dating to the 14th century with its original stone flag floor, takes up to 180 guests. The Governors' Room offers wood-panelled intimacy for 50. And Charterhouse Square itself opens up to 500 for outdoor summer receptions and garden parties in a setting that feels like countryside despite the EC1 postcode.

Events at The Charterhouse Supporting a 400-Year-Old Charity

Event revenue supports the almshouse charity that has operated here since Thomas Sutton founded it over four centuries ago. The Brothers — the almshouse's residents — remain on site during events, which creates a venue with a genuine living community rather than a museum with a hire licence. Exclusive catering is provided by Lettice Events, the venue's approved caterer.

Charterhouse's Clerkenwell Location

Charterhouse Square sits between Smithfield and Clerkenwell, with Barbican and Farringdon stations nearby. Events run between 8am and 10pm to respect the almshouse community — a constraint that shapes the kind of events that work here, favouring daytime gatherings, summer receptions, and evening dinners that conclude at a civilised hour.