Eastbridge Hospital Of St Thomas The Martyr, Canterbury

Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr, Canterbury is a historic hospital and pilgrimage site located in Canterbury, England. It was founded in the 12th century and has served various purposes throughout its history, including a place of rest for pilgrims, a hospital, and a home for the elderly.

History

The Eastbridge Hospital was founded in 1176 by a group of Benedictine monks from the nearby Canterbury Cathedral. The hospital was originally established to provide care for the poor and sick, as well as to offer shelter to pilgrims traveling to the cathedral. The name "Eastbridge" comes from its location on the eastern side of the River Stour, and the term "hospital" is used in its original sense of a place of hospitality.

In the 16th century, during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the hospital was spared due to its charitable function. It continued to serve as a place of refuge for the poor and elderly, a role it still fulfills today.

Architecture

The Eastbridge Hospital is a fine example of Medieval architecture. The main building is a two-story structure with a central courtyard. The chapel, located on the first floor, features a beautiful stained glass window depicting scenes from the life of St Thomas Becket, the martyr after whom the hospital is named.

Today

Today, the Eastbridge Hospital continues to function as an almshouse, providing accommodation for elderly residents. It also operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the hospital's rich history and the lives of the pilgrims who once sought shelter there.

See also

• List of hospitals in England
• History of hospitals
• Canterbury Cathedral