Eastbridge Hospital
Eastbridge Hospital features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Canterbury. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Canterbury Canterbury guide
About Eastbridge Hospital
A medieval pilgrims' hospital on the High Street over the Stour, where travellers to Becket's shrine slept for fourpence a night; still an almshouse after eight centuries.
Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr, on Canterbury's High Street at the King's Bridge over the River Stour, was founded in the 12th century to give poor pilgrims overnight shelter on their way to Becket's shrine. The earliest documented founder is Edward FitzOdbold, around 1180, and it was further endowed by Archbishop Hubert Walter around 1203. A 14th-century reform allowed a healthy pilgrim to rest one night for four pence.
Its surviving medieval fabric includes an entrance vestibule, an undercroft that served as the pilgrims' dormitory, a refectory, and a chapel whose timber roof dates from about 1285. Remarkably, the hospital never closed: it became an almshouse and is now one of ten Canterbury almshouses, still providing homes for elderly residents. It is a Grade I listed building, recently added to the Heritage at Risk Register.
Did you know? After a medieval reform, a healthy pilgrim could stay one night at Eastbridge for fourpence. You can still go down to the vaulted undercroft where they slept and up to the chapel where they prayed.
How long is a visit to Eastbridge Hospital?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Eastbridge Hospital. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Eastbridge Hospital worth your time?
Eastbridge Hospital is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Canterbury, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Canterbury
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Eastbridge Hospital and read more:
Day 1 of the Canterbury in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Eastbridge Hospital
Preview the Canterbury tour free in the Gingerguide app.