The Charterhouse is one of those unknown gems that is always overlooked – which makes it even more intriguing for it. I last visited back in the wet winter months towards the end of 2019 and was fortunate to see it just prior to the grand transformation of the great chamber which was revealed last Autumn. With thoughts of perhaps getting out an about again later this year this hidden jewel in the heart of London has sprung to mind once again.

Standing in quiet Tudor splendour beside its modern neighbour, The Barbican, it was founded as a Carthusian Monastery in 1371 by Sir Walter de Manny, a friend of the Black Prince. Following this the property came into aristocratic ownership and was bought by Thomas Sutton in 1611 who endowed it as a school and almshouse. It remains an almshouse to this day, home to 43 single elderly men and women who all have their own accommodation. There is free admission to the museum and chapel, and tours which highlight the Royal connection, and include the Great Chamber, the Great Hall, the Norfolk Cloisters and the Chapel.