Eastbridge Hospital, also known as The Hospital of Saint Thomas Becket the Martyr, is a Hospital in the old sense of the word short for Hospitality and was founded in the 12th century in Canterbury, England, to provide overnight accommodation for poor pilgrims who were travelling to the shrine of St Thomas Becket. It is now one of the ten almshouses still providing accommodation for elderly citizens of Canterbury and is a grade I listed building.

History

Founding and original building

The hospital is situated on the King's-bridge, next to the Franciscan Gardens Greyfriars, near the Westgate, in Canterbury. It was founded after the brutal murder of Saint Thomas Becket in 1170, possibly as early as 1176, when Canterbury Cathedral became a site of pilgrimage; the hospital provided accommodation for poor pilgrims. The Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society suggests that All Saints Cottage in the city may have been a subsidiary hostel for the hospital. The earliest name recorded as founder is that of Edward FitzOdbold c. 1180, with further endowments by Archbishop Hubert Walter around 1203. The newest master is Revd Dr. Perry Butler who was appointed on 29 December 2022.

Modern Eastbridge

thumb|The Juxon Room

Between 2014 and 2019, extensive restoration took place to preserve those rooms situated directly over the River Stour. This work was supported by the Viridor Credits scheme, which funds community, heritage, and biodiversity projects. It was formally opened to the public by the Bishop of Dover on 23 March 2019, and named after Archbishop William Juxon, who was a generous benefactor during his tenure, and donated money in 1660 to repair the Brother's Lodgings.

Eastbridge is still a functional almshouse to this day, providing accommodation for elderly citizens of Canterbury and Ukrainian refugees in areas of the buildings inaccessible to the public. Eastbridge is classed as a Grade I listed building and historical site. The gardens remain open but the building had to close for visitors due to the requirements for significant structural repairs in 2025. In January 2026, it was announced that Eastbridge Hospital was going to be put on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register.

Eastbridge is administered by Trustees whose main aims are the maintenance of the ancient buildings, which are of national historic interest, and the welfare of the almshouse residents (Indwellers).

thumb|right|Interior of the Pilgrims Chapel

Notes

References

  • The Hospital of King's Bridge from Edward Hasted, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent: Volume 12 (1801), pp. 115–135.
  • Hospitals in and around Canterbury from A History of the County of Kent (Victoria County History): Volume 2 (1926), pp. 209–216.
  • The mirror of literature, amusement and instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 268
  • Aran Hurrell - Historian, MA Graduate in Medieval & Early Modern History, Head Tour Guide and Supervisor at Eastbridge Hospital. Book on Eastbridge Hospital to be released (Date to be Confirmed)
  • Dr. Sheila Sweetinburgh, Historian, Lecturer in Medieval & Early Modern Studies and Co-Director of the Centre for Kent History & Heritage.
  • Eastbridge Hospital Official website