Greyfriars Chapel
On Gingerguide's self-guided Canterbury audio tour, Greyfriars Chapel is a stop worth about ~20 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Canterbury Canterbury guide
About Greyfriars Chapel
A small 13th-century friary building spanning an arm of the Stour, part of the first Franciscan house in England, set in quiet riverside gardens behind the High Street.
Greyfriars Chapel is a small 13th-century friary building of flint and stone that spans an arm of the River Stour, on the island of Binnewith behind Canterbury's High Street. Canterbury's Greyfriars was the first Franciscan friary in England; the friars first arrived in 1224, during the lifetime of St Francis of Assisi, and from 1267 rebuilt their house in stone, aided by a gift of land from Alderman John Digge. The surviving building is widely said to be the oldest Franciscan building in Britain, though the claim is traditional.
The great friary church was consecrated in 1325, and the friary was surrendered to the Crown in December 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The chapel was restored in the 20th century and is again used for worship, with weekly services overseen by Eastbridge Hospital since 2000. It is a scheduled monument, recorded as England's earliest Franciscan house, set in peaceful riverside gardens.
Did you know? Canterbury's Greyfriars was the first Franciscan friary in England. The grey-robed friars arrived in 1224, while St Francis of Assisi was still alive, and the surviving chapel is widely called the oldest Franciscan building in Britain.
How much time do you need at Greyfriars Chapel?
Around ~20 min works well for Greyfriars Chapel — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Greyfriars Chapel?
Yes — Greyfriars Chapel made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Canterbury. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Canterbury
Day 1 of the Canterbury in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Greyfriars Chapel
Preview the Canterbury tour free in the Gingerguide app.