The Charterhouse is an almshouse, or a housing charity, and provides a home for around 40 residents over the age of 60.

The Almshouse Association defines an almshouse as being “a unit of residential accommodation (usually a house or flat) which belongs to a charity, is provided exclusively to meet the charity’s purposes (for example, the relief of financial need or infirmity) and is occupied or is available for occupation under a licence by a qualified beneficiary”. Much like the Charterhouse itself, the history of almshouses dates back to medieval times when religious orders would help the poor. They were originally known as bede houses, poor houses, or hospitals offering hospitality and shelter rather than medical care.

 

Thomas Sutton founded the charity that still operates today though a bequest in 1611. It made provision for the care of 80 ‘Poor Brothers’ with eligibility criteria that they were “either decrepit or old captaynes either at sea or at land, maimed or disabled soldiers, merchants fallen on hard times, those ruined by shipwreck of other calamity”, and the schooling of 40 boys from poor backgrounds. The charity was established through The Charterhouse Act of 1627, under the name of The Foundation of King James’s hospital in Charterhouse, Middlesex. Today the charity officially known as Sutton’s Hospital in Charterhouse operates publicly as the Charterhouse, and while the school left for Godalming in 1872 the almshouse has remained on the site.

Originally a faith-based Charity, Sutton and the Governors of the Charterhouse were developing a new model of Protestant philanthropy, our Chapel still has a central role in our community life although residents and staff are no longer required to attend, or to be either Anglican or hold religious belief. Our residents are still known as ‘Brothers’, although this is now a non-gender specific term.

Community living has always been a distinctive quality of life at the Charterhouse. Although this has of course evolved, our residents have their meals communally every day in the 16th century Great Hall as they would have done when the charity was first established.  Historic days such as Founder’s Day, Thomas Sutton’s Memorial Day and Carthusian Martyr’s Day which are reminders of our heritage are also celebrated. However while some traditions remain, the Charterhouse is a modern vibrant community that works to support independent living for our residents.