The medieval Charterhouse in Coventry in the West Midlands of England reopened on 1 April, after more than a decade of restoration work, and is set to become a major visitor destination.

The medieval Charterhouse in Coventry

After more than a decade of fundraising and restoration work by Historic Coventry Trust, Coventry’s Grade I listed Charterhouse has opened its doors to visitors once more.

The unique 14th century building, which is just a short walk from Coventry city centre, features three conserved wall paintings of national importance, a revitalised garden and a new café/bar run by Michelin-star chef Glynn Purnell.

Charterhouse started life as a Carthusian monastery founded by King Richard II in 1385. The Carthusian Order was founded in 11th century France by a group of monks who wanted to emulate the harsh, contemplative lives of the early Christian hermits. From this beginning the new monastic order spread rapidly across Europe. The monks became known as Carthusians and their priories as charterhouses.

The historic building and its surroundings have since taken on many different roles, including as a garden growing exotic plants, and a private house once owned by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester – the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Bequeathed to the people of Coventry by its last resident Colonel William Wyley in 1940 as a museum and park, the building’s most recent use was as part of Coventry College until 2011.

The historic Charterhouse and Charterhouse Fields

Historic Coventry Trust, supported by local residents, was formed to acquire it with the aim of delivering Colonel Wyley’s vision to open it up to the public. This started the long journey of fundraising and sensitive restoration. The surrounding land forming part of ‘Charterhouse Fields’ that remained under Coventry City Council’s control has since been reunited with the Charterhouse in Trust ownership to be used as part of the Heritage Park, which will be accessible to members of the public.

In addition, Purnell’s at Charterhouse, an indoor and outdoor venue, will operate in the daytime, as well as bringing a special evening destination to Coventry.

Ian Harrabin, founder and chair of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “This is a huge milestone for Historic Coventry Trust as we prepare to open Charterhouse to the public for the first time in over 630 years.

“It has been a long road of more than a decade since our earliest meetings with the Council and local residents to save one of Coventry’s most important buildings. What has been achieved with the support of so many is testament to the power of working together.

“Colonel William Wyley’s vision for his bequest was for the building to be a centre for arts and culture, for the benefit of all people, and we are confident that the restoration and the activities we have organised will more than do honour to his wishes.”

The city of Coventry is perhaps best known for its cathedral – a powerful monument to the futility of war. The original cathedral was largely destroyed by bombing raids in World War Two, but a modern new cathedral was built alongside the remains of the old, so people would never forget. 

The ruins of the original Coventry Cathedral

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “The very splendid Charterhouse is another fine attraction which will encourage local people as well as those from further afield to experience what our great city has to offer.

“In Coventry we are on a journey to become one of the best tourist destinations in the country and Charterhouse will play its part in the unique offer we have right here in our city.”

Charterhouse is the only Carthusian monastery in the country with surviving interiors. The new visitor attraction includes interactive displays charting the site’s long history as well as the re-landscaping of the inner precinct as a beautiful walled garden.

If your or your group would like to visit Charterhouse on a tailor-made tour of England, or perhaps as part of a religious tour, please do contact our friendly team today. Find out more about the West Midlands of England.