Explore The Eastbridge Hospital
Eastbridge Hospital, or more fully, The Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr upon Eastbridge was created in 1180 by a merchant, Edward FitzObold, to provide accommodation for the influx of pilgrims who came to visit the tomb of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in the Cathedral in 1170.
The Eastbridge Hospital has been referred to by various names, in various forms, at various times. Many of its names refer to its location beside the'Eastbridge' (or 'East Bridge'), or 'Kings Bridge' (or 'Kingsbridge'). Today it is known as Eastbridge Hospital. Very occassionally the term 'Hopsital' was dropped in favour of 'Almshouses'. Likewise, the different rooms and parts of the Hospital have historically been given various different names.
ThThe Hospital has recently, however, been closed for a considerable time for urgent repairs. Of especial concern over recent months has been 'movement observed in the undercroft vaults, alongside minor falls of stonework and mortar.' Important works intended to stabilise the Undercroft were undertaken during the early 1930's, but only limited information about these has been available until now. The charity are currently working with Canterbury Archaeological Trust and The Morton Partnership.
Eastbridge Hospital is a Grade 1 listed building. The detached Sisters' Lodgings, at the back of the building are Listed Grade II.
In December 2025, The Eastbridge Hospital was put on the At-Risk register with Historic England.
The Hospital is entered through a low Gothic door from the High Street.
There is a vaulted vestibule with the Undercroft down a small flight of stairs. The Undercroft would appear to have been built at the time of the foundation of the hospital and is an example of the Transitional Gothic period. The area is divided into cubicles where the pilgrims slept.
Over the Undercroft is the Refectory, built in the 12th century. It has a medieval roof and the north wall has a mural dating from the early 13th century.
Another small staircase at the end of the refectory leads up to the Chapel which has a splendid roof structure including a “bell cage” in which hangs a bell.
The chapel has had many uses over the centuries including as a schoolroom where it is believed Christopher Marlowe, the Elizabethan playwright, was educated before going to the Kings’ School and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
In other parts of the building are the apartments for Indwellers of the Almshouse, elderly people chosen to live there based on need.