Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Charterhouse Square

Charterhouse Square is a historic in the district of London, located within the boundary near Smithfield Market and the , encompassing approximately 6,876 square meters as part of a designated conservation area established in 1994 and extended in 2007. Originally the site of a 14th-century emergency burial ground for victims of the pandemic in 1348, where an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 bodies were interred, the area later became integral to the adjacent Carthusian priory founded in 1371 by Sir Walter de Manny and Bishop Michael Northburgh on land leased for monastic use. The square's development as a formal open space emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, with the surrounding area transitioning from monastic grounds to a mansion after the priory's in 1537 during the under , and subsequently to an and school established by philanthropist Thomas Sutton in 1611. By the , the vicinity saw industrial and infrastructural changes, including the extension of the in the 1860s, which introduced Aldersgate Street Station (now Barbican station) and Victorian warehouses characterized by robust brickwork, large windows, and detailing. The site endured significant damage during the Second World War, with most buildings affected by bombing, leading to postwar reconstruction that blended surviving historic structures with modern developments. Architecturally, Charterhouse Square exemplifies London's layered history, featuring Georgian terraces, neo-Classical facades such as those at Nos. 133–134 Aldersgate Street, and the iconic (built 1935–1937 by Guy Morgan & Partners), a Grade II-listed U-shaped apartment block with elements, steel framing, and mottled brickwork that replaced earlier 17th-century townhouses. Today, the square serves as a public garden and forms part of the Charterhouse Square campus of Queen Mary University of London's Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, incorporating remnants of the former Medical College, including original department buildings, alongside residential properties, offices, spaces, and an independent school at No. 40. Its proximity to The Charterhouse—an active since 1611 with preserved elements like the —underscores its enduring role as a cultural and historical landmark, offering public access through museums, tours, and green space amid the urban density of .

Location and Description

Physical Layout and Features

Charterhouse Square is an irregular pentagon-shaped garden space covering approximately 2 acres (0.8 hectares), forming the largest courtyard within the complex. This layout, with its diagonal pathways crossing from northwest to southeast, creates a central open area that serves as a tranquil green oasis amid the urban density of . At its heart lies a well-maintained garden featuring expansive lawns, mature trees including veteran mulberry specimens, herbaceous borders, and meandering paths that encourage pedestrian exploration. The surrounding perimeter blends historic structures, such as 18th-century terraced houses and the Grade I-listed Charterhouse entrance, with modern residential and institutional buildings, providing a picturesque frame to the verdant interior. Enhancing this aesthetic are period gas lamps that illuminate the space at night, contributing to its serene, almost cloistered ambiance. The square's road surface, composed of granite setts dating to the 1860s with early 19th-century York stone pavements and kerbstones, received Grade II listed status from in 2011, recognizing its rarity as a surviving mid-Victorian street feature in a square. As a privately owned yet publicly accessible , it is maintained by the Charterhouse foundation, which emphasizes through sustainable practices like wildflower meadows and native planting, while restricting certain internal areas of the broader complex to guided visits.

Boundaries and Surroundings

Charterhouse Square is situated in the Farringdon district, straddling the boundary between the London Borough of Islington and the , directly north of Smithfield Market and to the west of the remnants of the walls. This positioning places it within a historically dense urban fabric on the edge of the traditional boundaries of the . The square's boundaries are defined by Charterhouse Street along its southern edge and Carthusian Street to the east, with the northern and western perimeters adjoining the historic complex and adjacent urban structures extending toward Long Lane and Aldersgate Street. This configuration integrates the square into the surrounding street grid while maintaining its distinct enclosure. Notable nearby landmarks include , located approximately 0.5 km to the south, and the , about 0.8 km to the east, highlighting the square's connectivity to major cultural and medical institutions in . As an , Charterhouse Square serves as a rare pocket of greenery amidst the intensive commercial offices, residential blocks, and institutional buildings that characterize the Farringdon and neighborhoods. Its gardens and mature trees offer respite from the surrounding high-density development, contributing to the area's conservation value.

Historical Development

Origins and Monastic Foundation

The London Charterhouse was established in 1371 as a Carthusian priory by Sir Walter de Manny, a Hainaut-born soldier and nobleman who had served in the English court, on a 13-acre site in Smithfield that had previously served as an emergency burial ground for victims of the 1348 . Inspired by Bishop Michael de Northburgh of , who envisioned a house of strict contemplation following his visit to a Carthusian in , de Manny acquired the land—known as Pardon Churchyard and Spital Croft—with royal license from Edward III and from Clement VI, aiming to provide perpetual prayer for the souls of the estimated over 5,000 plague victims interred there. The foundation reflected medieval piety amid recurring epidemics, transforming a site of mass mortality into one of monastic seclusion. The priory's architecture emphasized the Carthusian order's eremitic ideals of isolation and contemplation, featuring a central Great Cloister surrounded by up to individual cells—small, self-contained houses each with a , , study, and sleeping area—for the monks' solitary lives. Communal structures included a modest with a sanctuary, high altar, stalls, and a separate Brothers' Choir for lay brethren; a chapter house for meetings; a ; and quarters for lay brothers who handled manual tasks. This layout, built primarily of brick and stone in a simple Gothic style without ornate decoration, supported the monks' withdrawal from the world, with high walls enclosing the precinct to minimize external distractions. Retrospectively, the site became known as "Sutton's Hospital in Charterhouse" after its post-dissolution refounding as a charitable in 1611 by Thomas Sutton, a wealthy merchant. Daily life at the Charterhouse adhered to the rigorous Rule of St. Bruno, founder of the in 1084, prioritizing silence, prayer, and over communal interaction. Choir monks spent most days in their cells engaged in private liturgy—reciting the full Divine Office, meditation, and manual work such as copying manuscripts—emerging only for weekly communal , meetings, and sparse meals of , , and occasional or eggs, as documented in 1535 inventories showing simple fare like herb pottage and Suffolk cheese to maintain self-sufficiency. Lay brothers supported the community through farming the priory's lands, tending gardens, and brewing, supplemented by donations from patrons like de Manny, ensuring economic independence without reliance on urban commerce. This disciplined routine fostered spiritual depth but demanded endurance, with fasting and perpetual silence reinforcing the order's vow of stability. A defining moment came in 1535 amid Henry VIII's , when the priory's monks resisted the Act of Supremacy by refusing the oath acknowledging the king as head of the English Church, viewing it as a denial of papal authority. John Houghton, along with priors Robert Lawrence of Beauvale and Augustine Webster of Axholme, was tried for on April 29 and executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering at on May 4, marking the first such martyrdoms under the act; eighteen Charterhouse monks in total suffered similar fates over the following years, with their remains displayed as warnings. This steadfast opposition, rooted in Carthusian loyalty to , elevated the priory's legacy as a bastion of traditional Catholicism.

Dissolution, Tudor Ownership, and Sutton's Legacy

The Charterhouse monastery was dissolved in 1537 as part of Henry VIII's suppression of religious houses following the Act of Supremacy, with the site confiscated by the Crown after the execution of Prior John Houghton in 1535 and the subsequent deaths of other monks. In 1545, the property was granted to Sir Edward North, a lawyer and courtier, who converted the monastic complex into a grand Tudor mansion by adapting existing buildings such as the great hall and cloisters into residential spaces; North hosted Queen Elizabeth I there from 23 to 29 November 1558, shortly after her accession. The mansion, known as Charterhouse House, passed through various owners, including Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, who acquired it around 1565 and hosted Elizabeth during later visits such as in January 1568; it was seized by the Crown in 1570 due to his alleged treason and later reverted to the Howard family under Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk, who owned it by 1610. In 1611, the sold the estate to , a wealthy and philanthropist, for £13,000, marking a pivotal shift toward charitable use. , who died later that year, endowed the site as an and school through his will, which received from ; the foundation opened in 1614 as Sutton's Hospital in Charterhouse, providing residence for 80 elderly "Brothers" (impoverished gentlemen over 50) and education for 40 poor scholars aged 10 to 15. 's legacy endured, with the school—initially housed in adapted monastic rooms like the former refectory—relocating to , , in 1872 due to overcrowding, while the remained on site. Architecturally, Sutton's foundation involved further modifications to the Tudor-era structures, including the extension of the monastic with a new for the scholars' use and the of the prior's lodgings into quarters for the Brothers, preserving elements like the 14th-century while integrating them into the charitable complex. These adaptations transformed the former priory into a self-sustaining institution, funded by Sutton's extensive estates, which supported its operations for centuries.

19th-20th Century Transformations

During the , Charterhouse Square evolved amid 's rapid , with the site's dual role as an educational and charitable driving key changes. The , part of Thomas Sutton's 1611 foundation, faced increasing overcrowding as student numbers grew and surrounding development encroached on available space, including the construction of housing blocks adjacent to the playground. This pressure prompted the school's relocation to a more expansive site in , , on 18 June 1872, when 117 pupils and 37 new boys transferred, marking the end of its presence and allowing the almshouses to assume greater prominence on the site. The almshouses, originally established for up to 80 elderly "Brothers," adapted to the post-relocation landscape by maintaining and modestly expanding their facilities to support ongoing residency and communal living, reflecting broader Victorian philanthropic trends in urban poor relief. This period solidified the site's focus on charitable housing, with the Brothers continuing to dine in the historic Great Hall while the surrounding square developed into a more formal garden enclosure. In the early 20th century, inflicted severe damage on Charterhouse Square during , particularly on the night of 10–11 May 1941, when German bombers targeted the area, destroying parts of the buildings, killing one Brother, and necessitating the evacuation of the remaining 40 residents to . Post-war reconstruction, led by architects John Seely and Paul Paget from 1945 to 1959, focused on conserving the surviving monastic ruins and Tudor-era structures, including repairs to the chapel and cloisters, to restore the site's historic integrity while adapting it for continued use. The almshouses reopened in 1951 with only 13 Brothers, a sharp decline from 60 in 1939 due to wartime losses. The 1960s brought further institutional transformation through the integration of , as , having acquired the site in 1933–1934 for its pre-clinical departments alongside the existing , completed post-war rebuilding by 1963 and fully relocated these facilities to Charterhouse Square, converting former school buildings into laboratories and lecture halls to establish a dedicated medical campus that coexisted with the charitable functions. Amid Farringdon's broader , the square was designated a conservation area on 18 February 1969 by the London Borough of , aiming to protect its architectural heritage, green spaces, and historic layout from modern encroachments (later transferred to the in 1994).

Administrative Evolution

Pre-Modern Parish and Ward Affiliations

During the medieval period, the area encompassing Charterhouse Square fell within the ecclesiastical of , an extramural of the , while civilly it lay in the expansive , which extended westward beyond the city walls. The Carthusian established there in 1371 by Sir Walter de Manny operated under its own monastic governance but was situated amid lands subject to the 's oversight for burials and tithes. In the 16th century, following the in 1537, the Charterhouse priory was suppressed and its precinct declared extra-parochial, exempting it from standard parish rates and obligations. By 1611, Thomas Sutton had acquired the site and founded the Hospital of King James, an charity that assumed direct responsibilities for supporting the impotent poor within its bounds, including disabled soldiers and indigent merchants, thereby influencing local poor law administration through the as the area urbanized. This arrangement allowed the charity to manage its own vestry-like functions independently of St Sepulchre's parish vestry. The 19th century brought significant administrative reforms under the Metropolis Management Act 1855, which grouped extra-parochial places like Charterhouse into local vestries for metropolitan governance; the site was incorporated into the Vestry, later divided into Finsbury East for civil purposes. The Extra-Parochial Places Act 1857 further formalized Charterhouse as a distinct within this framework, aligning its boundaries with surrounding areas for and . Boundary disputes arose with the adjacent parish of , created in 1733 from portions of older parishes including former monastic lands around Charterhouse, leading to overlaps in jurisdiction over subdivided properties and tithe rights into the mid-19th century.

Post-1965 Governance and Boundaries

Following the implementation of the London Government Act 1963 through the London Government Order 1965, Charterhouse Square was incorporated into the newly formed on 1 April 1965, as part of the merger of the former Metropolitan Borough of Finsbury with other areas. The square remains within Islington's administrative boundaries, specifically in the Bunhill electoral ward. The area is currently governed by Council, which applies policies to protect its historic character, including restrictions on demolition, developments, and tree removal under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Areas) Act 1990. Charterhouse Square forms Islington's Charterhouse Square Area (CA09), which encompasses the square and surrounding historic buildings to preserve their architectural and townscape qualities amid mixed residential, educational, and commercial uses. A portion of the adjacent conservation area was transferred from to the in 1994 following boundary adjustments under the City and London Borough Boundaries Order 1993, but the core of Charterhouse Square stayed within Islington. Minor electoral ward boundary adjustments occurred in the 2000s, including the 2000 reorganisation under the London Borough of (Electoral Changes) Order, which redefined Bunhill ward to better reflect population distribution while maintaining the square's inclusion. Further tweaks were made in 2022 based on recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to ensure electoral equality across 's 17 wards. Listed structures within and around the square, such as The Charterhouse (Grade I) and several Grade II buildings like 12A Charterhouse Square, fall under oversight by , which advises on alterations to ensure heritage protection. Planning in the area balances heritage preservation with modern infrastructure, notably during the project, where construction of from 2011 onward had substantial impacts on the Charterhouse Square Area, including temporary disruptions and archaeological to safeguard buried remains and settings of listed . Council and the coordinated with Crossrail Limited to minimize effects, such as through enhanced pedestrian routes and limits on construction heights near the square, allowing the Elizabeth line's 2022 opening to improve connectivity without compromising the area's historic integrity.

Plague Burials and Archaeology

The 1348 Black Death Pit

During the outbreaks of 1348–1350, the area now known as Charterhouse Square was designated as an emergency cemetery outside London's city walls to accommodate the overwhelming number of plague victims. The plague, caused by the bacterium , ravaged the city, claiming an estimated 50–60% of its population in a matter of months and necessitating rapid, large-scale burials to prevent further spread of disease. Its peripheral location adjacent to Smithfield made it ideal for this purpose, as it lay beyond the congested urban core where existing churchyards could no longer cope. In response to the crisis, Sir Walter de Manny, a Hainault-born soldier and close associate of King Edward III, took decisive action by leasing approximately 13 acres of land from St. Bartholomew's Priory in 1349. He established the site as a dedicated burial ground and constructed a along with a to house the bones of the deceased, providing a dignified memorial amid the chaos. Contemporary chronicler Robert of Avesbury documented the scale of interments, noting that more than 23,000 bodies were buried there between February and April 1349, often at a rate exceeding 200 per day. These burials were organized into individual graves rather than chaotic pits, reflecting an official effort to maintain order and religious rites despite the catastrophe. The demographic toll was profound, with the plague disproportionately affecting the urban poor and laborers, leading to severe labor shortages and social upheaval in its aftermath. This mass burial site symbolized the Black Death's indiscriminate devastation, as London's pre-plague population of around 80,000–100,000 was halved within a year. The remains lay undisturbed for centuries, preserving the site's grim historical legacy and later serving as the foundation for a Carthusian monastic complex in 1371.

Modern Excavations and Discoveries

In 2013, during preparatory works for the railway project, archaeologists from the Archaeology (MOLA) uncovered 25 well-preserved skeletons in Charterhouse Square, part of an emergency burial ground established in the . The excavation, conducted between March 2013 and early 2014, revealed burials in two neat rows, aligned east-west in accordance with Christian rites, and included associated such as pottery shards and a copper alloy pin. indicated at least two phases of interment: the primary one during the outbreak of 1348–1350, and a secondary phase in the early , suggesting the site served multiple epidemics. Ancient DNA analysis of tooth pulp from the skeletons confirmed infection by Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the , marking only the second such archaeological identification in and providing the first genomic evidence of the strain in . The victims, primarily young adults aged 18–35 with evidence of strenuous labor from muscle attachments on bones, showed signs of rapid burial, including individuals interred without coffins but wrapped in shrouds fastened with pins. This haste aligns with historical accounts of overwhelmed burial practices during epidemics. Strontium and oxygen of from ten individuals revealed dietary and mobility patterns, with six likely local to based on matching isotope ratios to the region. The remaining four showed non-local signatures: one from eastern , one from western , and two from , indicating migration to and highlighting the city's diverse during the medieval period. Dental examinations further disclosed poor oral health, including abscesses and , consistent with urban living conditions. Earlier MOLA surveys in the late and , associated with campus expansions at nearby , uncovered artifacts from the site's Carthusian monastic phase (1371–1537), including medieval vessels and coins that provided insights into daily monastic life and economy. These findings contributed to broader understandings of urban , as the genomic data from the Crossrail skeletons has informed evolutionary studies of Y. pestis and modern antibiotic resistance .

Contemporary Uses

Almshouses, Chapel, and Care Facilities

The Charterhouse almshouses provide supported independent living for around 40 residents, known as "Brothers," who are aged 60 and over. These individuals are selected through a rigorous process that prioritizes financial need, physical infirmity, and personal character, with no religious affiliation required. Founded by Thomas Sutton in 1611 as a charitable institution for elderly men in distress, the almshouses continue to uphold this legacy by offering rent-free accommodation in historic buildings surrounding peaceful gardens. Central to the community is the 16th-century , which hosts regular daily services, including morning prayers and evening worship, open to residents and visitors alike. Attendance is optional, reflecting the non-sectarian ethos of the foundation. On-site care is supported by the Queen Infirmary, a residential facility opened in 2005 that accommodates up to 11 residents requiring more intensive assistance, ensuring comprehensive health services within the historic grounds. Governed by the charity Sutton's Hospital in Charterhouse under an Assembly of Governors established in , the operations are sustained through Sutton's original endowment, property rents, and public donations. Annual traditions foster community bonds, including the election of new Brothers, communal feasts in the on , and commemorations such as Thomas Sutton's . In the 2020s, accessibility enhancements have been implemented to better serve aging residents, including the installation of lifts for multi-level access and redesigned spaces for mobility and therapeutic use. These improvements, part of ongoing efforts, balance with modern needs, as seen in recent projects like the Wash-House Court redevelopment.

Medical Education and Research Campus

The pre-clinical departments of St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College were relocated to Charterhouse Square following the Second World War, with the site's rebuilding completed in 1963 after an earlier evacuation. This established the area as a key hub for , leased to the college and later integrated into Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry through mergers in the 1990s. Today, the forms part of (QMUL), serving primarily as a center for postgraduate medical training and research. Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, of which Charterhouse Square is a key , has approximately 3,400 students (as of 2018), with the campus emphasizing advanced training in fields such as , , and . Key facilities at Charterhouse Square include the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, formerly the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine established in 1991, which focuses on population-level health research including preventive and . The campus also houses the Barts Cancer Institute for and the William Harvey Research Institute, dedicated to cardiovascular and pharmacological studies since its founding in 1998. Supporting these are modern lecture theaters, seminar rooms, laboratories, and a dedicated hall of residence for medical students, facilitating hands-on learning in specialized areas. These programs integrate clinical practice at nearby with research-driven education, preparing students for specialized roles in the NHS and sectors. In recent years, the site has seen significant investment, including a £6.5 million grant from Barts Charity in to refurbish historic buildings and enhance research infrastructure. Additionally, in March 2024, the long leasehold of 25 Charterhouse Square—an office building within the vicinity—was sold to a fund managed by for £43.5 million.

Other Residential, Commercial, and Educational Sites

, located at 6-9 Charterhouse Square, is a prominent residential building constructed in 1936 to designs by Guy Morgan and Partners. The ten-storey mansion block features elements, including curved corners, horizontal banding, and a , and it replaced earlier structures on the site that had served as a vicarage and ladies' until 1859. It holds Grade II listed status for its architectural significance as one of London's finest surviving apartment blocks. The building has also gained cultural recognition as a , notably serving as the exterior and interior for Hercule Poirot's fictional residence, Whitehaven Mansions, in the television series (1989–2013). Surrounding the square are various commercial properties, including converted warehouses now housing offices and shops that contribute to the area's mixed-use character. A key example is the office block at 19 Charterhouse Street, a five-storey structure originally built in 1991 as part of the diamond campus, which received planning approval in August 2025 for a comprehensive retrofit and extension to ten storeys, aiming to create sustainable, high-quality with added affordable workspace for the sector. These developments reflect broader trends in Farringdon's commercial evolution, with properties like 25 Charterhouse Square— a six-storey building let to creative occupiers—being sold in March 2024 for a significant investment deal, underscoring the district's appeal amid rising demand for modern workspaces. Charterhouse Square School, an independent co-educational for pupils aged 3 to 11, occupies a five-storey Victorian building at 33-40 Charterhouse Square. Founded in 1985 by Jamie Malden with just 23 pupils, it joined the group of schools in 2008 and now serves around 300 non-selective students, emphasizing a stimulating learning environment in the heart of the . The square's open spaces, including its central gardens and smaller courtyard plots, are maintained by The Charterhouse and opened to the public for events such as summer garden evenings featuring live , , and drinks, as well as and seasonal parties from June to September. These lettable areas hosted exclusive hires for corporate summer events in 2024, highlighting their role in community and commercial activities. Recent property transactions around the square, including residential sales averaging over £5 million in 2023 and office investments in 2024, illustrate Farringdon's ongoing tech-driven property boom, driven by proximity to creative and digital industries.

Access and Connectivity

Public Transportation Options

Charterhouse Square is well-served by London's public transportation network, with multiple underground stations within walking distance providing access to key Tube lines. The nearest station is Barbican, located approximately 0.2 km away, offering services on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines of the London Underground. Farringdon station, about 0.6 km to the west, connects to the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, as well as the Elizabeth line and Thameslink national rail services, facilitating broader regional travel. Several bus routes operated by (TfL) run along the edges of or near Charterhouse Square, enhancing local accessibility. Routes 4, 56, and 153 stop directly outside at Barbican Station, linking to destinations such as Blackwall, , and Liverpool Street. Additionally, route 243 serves nearby , providing connections to , while route 17 operates along Charterhouse Street to Archway and . For overnight travel, night bus N55 runs from to via , and N63 from King's Cross to passes close by on Farringdon Road. Cycling infrastructure supports sustainable commuting in the area, with Charterhouse Square forming part of the Cycle Superhighway 6 (CS6) route along Farringdon Road, a segregated north-south corridor connecting Elephant & Castle to King's Cross. Multiple docking stations are available within 200 meters, including on Aldersgate Street and Carthusian Street, allowing easy bike hire for short trips across . The opening of the in 2022 has significantly improved connectivity for the Charterhouse Square vicinity, particularly via , enabling faster journeys to , Reading, and Shenfield, following extensive archaeological excavations in the area from 2014 onward.

Road Access and Pedestrian Features

Charterhouse Street serves as the primary vehicular entry point to Charterhouse Square from the south, connecting to surrounding roads like St John Street, though a filter restricts right turns from Cowcross Street to manage . Limited vehicle access is enforced during school hours as part of a school street scheme, closing the square to non-essential s from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays during term time, with through traffic diverted to Long Lane while allowing access for residents, servicing, and emergencies via Charterhouse Street and adjacent lanes. Due to the square's semi-private status, particularly around its central gardens, general vehicular entry is restricted to residents and permit holders, promoting reduced car dependency in this historic urban enclave. Parking around Charterhouse Square falls under the London Borough of Islington's (CPZ) regime, specifically within Zone CH (/Charterhouse), where on-street spaces require permits or pay-and-display during operational hours from Monday to Saturday. No dedicated public lots exist directly within the square itself, reflecting its emphasis on priority and limited space, but residents can obtain permits for controlled bays. The nearest multi-storey option is the NCP West Smithfield car park, approximately 0.3 km away, offering 24-hour access with 500 spaces suitable for short-term or extended stays. Pedestrian access to Charterhouse Square is facilitated through gated entrances, primarily on the north side opposite Charterhouse Street, designed for visitors to the Charterhouse site including its and , with step-free and wheelchair-accessible paths leading into the central gardens. These gates open to the public through , providing entry to the square's green space while maintaining security for residential and institutional areas. The square connects directly to pedestrian routes such as Smithfield Walk to the west, linking toward the market area, and indirectly supports access to the New River Path via nearby pathways, enhancing walkability in the broader neighborhood.

Cultural and Fictional Representations

Heritage Status and Notable Events

The core buildings of the Charterhouse, including the chapel, cloisters, and Great Hall dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, are designated as a Grade I listed structure by Historic England, reflecting their exceptional architectural and historical significance as a former Carthusian monastery and Tudor mansion. In 2011, the setted granite road surface encircling the central garden of Charterhouse Square received Grade II listed status, recognizing it as a rare surviving example of mid-19th-century street engineering in London. The entire square falls within the Charterhouse Square Conservation Area, established by the City of London to safeguard its historic layout, architectural character, and key views toward the Grade I listed Charterhouse complex. Since its public opening in , the Charterhouse has hosted annual guided tours, exhibitions, and open access to its and , allowing visitors to explore its monastic heritage and history for the first time in over 400 years. The site participates in national initiatives like Heritage Open Days, with events in 2022. Preservation efforts at Charterhouse Square involve navigating urban development pressures while adhering to strict guidelines from and local planning authorities. For instance, the 2024 sale of the modern office building at 25 Charterhouse Square to required compliance with conservation area policies to ensure any future alterations respect the site's historical setting and protected views. These measures help mitigate minor threats from commercial redevelopment and traffic, maintaining the square's cultural value as a tranquil historic enclave amid central London's .

Depictions in Literature and Media

Charterhouse Square and its associated Charterhouse complex have been referenced in 19th-century literature as emblematic of charitable institutions in . In an 1850 article published in , a periodical edited by , the almshouses of the Charterhouse are described as a site providing refuge for the elderly poor, highlighting their role in Victorian philanthropy. John Strype's 1720 edition of A Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster, an expansion of John Stow's earlier work, provides a detailed contemporary account of the Charterhouse priory ruins, noting the site's layout including its , conduit, and surrounding lanes as remnants of its monastic past. In television, the Art Deco building Florin Court on the eastern side of Charterhouse Square served as the exterior for "Whitehaven Mansions," the fictional residence of detective in the ITV series (1989–2013). The location's elegant architecture complemented the period setting of the adaptations. Documentaries have featured Charterhouse Square in explorations of London's plague history. The 2014 documentary Return of the examined skeletons unearthed during construction at the site, confirming them as victims of the 14th-century through and DNA analysis, revealing insights into the plague's impact on medieval Londoners. In modern media, the 2024 Sky Atlantic miniseries , starring and , was filmed at The Charterhouse and Charterhouse Square, depicting scenes set in Tudor . Charterhouse Square has appeared in podcasts discussing London's hidden histories, such as episodes focusing on its plague pit and monastic legacy in 2023 productions.

References

  1. [1]
    [PDF] Charterhouse Square Conservation Area - City of London
    An area integral to the historic character, layout and setting of the. Charterhouse and Charterhouse Square, the majority of which is within the. London Borough ...
  2. [2]
    The Charterhouse - Historic Houses
    The history of the Charterhouse however dates to the era of the Black Death in 1348, when land which is now Charterhouse Square was leased as an emergency ...
  3. [3]
    Charterhouse Square - Queen Mary University of London
    During the Second World War, the Charterhouse site suffered badly. Most buildings were damaged or destroyed, as well as buildings in Long Row on the Smithfield ...
  4. [4]
    The Architecture of Charterhouse Square: Florin Court
    Jun 8, 2023 · Charterhouse Square is a microcosm of London's diverse and multi-layered architectural history. Ranging from medieval to Georgian to Victorian ...<|separator|>
  5. [5]
    SETTED STREET SURFACE, Non Civil Parish - 1393770
    List entry 1393770. Grade II Listed Building: Setted Street Surface. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.Missing: 2011 | Show results with:2011
  6. [6]
    Gardens - The Charterhouse
    The Charterhouse gardens comprise Charterhouse Square and six courtyard gardens within our walls. Charterhouse Square is a rare green space open to everyone ...Missing: physical size features
  7. [7]
    Courtyard Gardens - The Charterhouse - London Gardens Trust
    The Charterhouse Gardens comprise seven acres, including Charterhouse Square and six courtyard gardens within the Tudor walls of the Charterhouse site.Missing: physical layout size features
  8. [8]
    Charterhouse Square - Layers of London
    Charterhouse Square is a garden square in Farringdon, associated with The Charterhouse. It sits on top of a large 14th-century plague pit, dug outside the ...
  9. [9]
    [PDF] Clerkenwell Green (CA01), Charterhouse Square (CA09), Hat ...
    It has a special character and appearance which stems from its mix of uses, its architecture and its history, which justifies its conservation area status.
  10. [10]
  11. [11]
    Plan Your Visit - The Charterhouse
    Please note: There is no access to the Charterhouse or Charterhouse Square from Clerkenwell Road or Queen Mary University of London Charterhouse Square Campus.Missing: restricted | Show results with:restricted
  12. [12]
    Route Plan - Barbican Tube Station to Charterhouse Square
    There is no step free access from Barbican Station. The total distance is approximately 225m.
  13. [13]
    History - The Charterhouse
    In 1611, Thomas Sutton bought the Charterhouse and proceeded to establish the charity that still bears his name today. Born in Lincolnshire, Sutton attended ...
  14. [14]
    Henry VIII: October 1535, 11-20 | British History Online
    R. O., 597. The Charter House. "The daily and weekly fare of the monks and of the lay brothers at the Charterhouse next to London, ...
  15. [15]
    London Charterhouse & Museum - Britain Express
    The monastery was officially called 'The House of the Salutation of the Mother of God' and Sir Walter endowed it with 13 acres and one rod of land. The monks ...
  16. [16]
    Charterhouse: Piety, Power & Treason | The Tudor Travel Guide
    The Charterhouse was finally completed around 1420, and thanks to generous patronage, by the 1430s secured something that many inhabitants of Medieval London ...
  17. [17]
    Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Sutton, Thomas (1532 ...
    Dec 29, 2020 · On 9 May 1611, however, he purchased from Thomas, earl of Suffolk, for 13,000l., Charterhouse in Middlesex, then called Howard House. The ...
  18. [18]
    Charterhouse School in 1731 - Website of Pascal Bonenfant
    By which name Thomas Sutton, Esq., purchased it of the Earl of Suffolk for 13,000 pounds, anno 1611, and converted it into a hospital by virtue of letters ...
  19. [19]
    FAQs - The Charterhouse
    What is the Charterhouse? The Charterhouse is an almshouse and a housing charity, set on a heritage site on a seven acre site in Clerkenwell, London.
  20. [20]
    Sutton, Thomas - Founder London Charterhouse & Charterhouse ...
    Sutton left part of his fortune to be invested in establishing an almshouse for 80 impoverished gentlemen, combined with a school for 40 boys, on the site ...
  21. [21]
    Our History and Heritage - Charterhouse School
    The Charterhouse School Archive (in Godalming) contains the records of the School's activities and administration since 1872. Some registers and printed ...
  22. [22]
    Charterhouse School
    The school evolved and eventually outgrew its location in Clerkenwell, moving from London to Godalming in 1872. However the association between the School and ...
  23. [23]
    Chapel - The Charterhouse
    Further adaptations to the Chapel were made to accommodate the requirements of Sutton's charity, which made provision for the care of 80 'Poor Brothers' in ...
  24. [24]
    [PDF] Untitled - Victorian Voices
    affected the fortunes of Charterhouse School. Large blocks of houses were built up to the very walls of the playground, and the school was thus deprived of ...
  25. [25]
    Personalities and political intrigue: how Charterhouse School came ...
    Sep 3, 2020 · Sutton went on to provide, under the terms of his Will, to for up to 80 Brothers; "either decrepit or old captaynes either at sea or at land, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  26. [26]
    The History of England's Almshouses: From Medieval Origins to the ...
    It is estimated that roughly 30% of all almshouse charities in existence today were founded during the 19th century boom. By providing small self-contained ...
  27. [27]
    The Charterhouse During and After WWII
    Nov 29, 2016 · German bombers dropped 711 tons of high explosive and 2,393 incendiaries, killing 1,436 civilians. Many buildings were reduced to rubble, and a ...
  28. [28]
    Conservation areas - Islington Council
    Conservation area designation is a way of protecting these special ... Charterhouse Square, 18/02/1969, 01/04/1994, January 2002. CA10, Barnsbury, ;01/04 ...
  29. [29]
    Book 2, Ch. 22: Farringdon Ward Without | British History Online
    It was rebuilt by king Henry VIII. in the year 1522, for the reception of the emperor Charles V. and obtained the name of Bridewell, on account of a remarkable ...
  30. [30]
    Henry VIII: August 1544, 26-31 | British History Online
    Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 19 Part 2, August-December 1544. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, ...
  31. [31]
    [PDF] Report and Accounts | The Charterhouse
    Thomas Sutton's will provided for up to 80 'either decrepit or old captaynes either at sea or at land, maimed or disabled soldiers, merchants fallen on hard ...
  32. [32]
    [PDF] A HISTORY OF ST. LUKE'S CHURCH OLD STREET, LONDON, E.C. ...
    Mary Charterhouse was built to serve Whitecross Street. By then the parish of St. Luke's had been further split to meet the demands of the larger population ...Missing: disputes | Show results with:disputes
  33. [33]
    Wards | Islington Council
    There are 17 wards in Islington. View a map of the wards in Islington. Use the 'address search' at the top to find your ward and councillors.
  34. [34]
    The London Borough of Islington (Electoral Changes) Order 2000
    This Order gives effect, subject to one modification, to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England for electoral changes in the London ...Missing: Farringdon | Show results with:Farringdon
  35. [35]
    [PDF] New electoral arrangements for Islington Council
    Jan 7, 2020 · 68 Islington Liberal Democrats proposed an alternative that includes the Thornhill. Square area in Barnsbury ward whilst maintaining the ...
  36. [36]
    THE CHARTERHOUSE, Non Civil Parish - 1298101 | Historic England
    Overview ; Heritage Category: Listed Building ; Grade: I ; List Entry Number: 1298101 ; Date first listed: 29-Dec-1950 ; List Entry Name: THE CHARTERHOUSE.Missing: extra- parochial
  37. [37]
    12a charterhouse square, and walls and railings - Historic England
    List entry 1195525. Grade II Listed Building: 12A Charterhouse Square, And Walls And Railings. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.
  38. [38]
    [PDF] D18 – LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS
    Demolition of bridge structures within the Charterhouse Square and. Smithfield Conservation Areas carrying Charterhouse Street and Lindsey. Street over the ...Missing: 1970s | Show results with:1970s
  39. [39]
    Uncorrected Evidence 837 - Parliament UK
    Feb 7, 2006 · There will be significant impacts on the Charterhouse Square conservation area and on the setting of the adjacent Smithfield conservation area ...
  40. [40]
    The Black Death, Medieval Mythbusting, and the London ...
    Feb 6, 2025 · The Charterhouse Square was established as an official emergency burial ground in 1348 by Sir Walter de Manny, who was linked to King Edward III ...
  41. [41]
    Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Manny, Walter de
    ​MANNY or MAUNY, Sir WALTER de, afterwards Lord de Manny (d. 1372), military commander and founder of the Charterhouse, was a native of Hainault.
  42. [42]
    Object of the Month June 2017 - The Charterhouse
    Jun 6, 2017 · In 1371 an adjoining portion of land was used for the establishment of a Carthusian monastery, with Sir Walter Manny its principal founder. ...
  43. [43]
    New research reveals secrets of Crossrail's Black Death skeletons
    Extensive scientific testing carried out on Crossrail skeletons reveal new insight into London's Black Death victims and offer new potential for the study ...Missing: preservation | Show results with:preservation<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Black Death skeletons unearthed by Crossrail project - BBC News
    Mar 30, 2014 · Skeletons unearthed by London's Crossrail are victims of the Black Death and may be part of a mass grave, forensic tests reveal.
  45. [45]
    Charterhouse skeletons were Black Death victims - Heritage Daily
    Mar 31, 2014 · Twenty-five skeletons were uncovered in London's Charterhouse Square in Farringdon during Crossrail construction works in March 2013. It ...
  46. [46]
    Detection and characterisation of Black Death burials by multi-proxy ...
    The construction of the new Crossrail railway discovered 25 well preserved skeletons shallowly buried in Central London in 2013. ... Charterhouse Square in ...
  47. [47]
    London skeletons reveal secrets of the Black Death - Phys.org
    Mar 30, 2014 · The 25 skeletons were uncovered last year during work on Crossrail, a new rail line that's boring 13 miles (21 kilometers) of tunnels under the ...Missing: excavation | Show results with:excavation
  48. [48]
    Archaeologists discover London's Black Death mass grave
    Mar 31, 2014 · In March 2013 twenty-five skeletons were uncovered in London's Charterhouse Square in Farringdon as part of the Crossrail project. Researchers ...
  49. [49]
    The London Charterhouse - Archaeology Data Service
    The volume is primarily intended to report on the 1998 excavations in Preachers Court, part of the Inner Court of the Charterhouse, but also incorporates a ...
  50. [50]
    Almshouse - The Charterhouse
    Much like the Charterhouse itself, the history of almshouses dates back to medieval times when religious orders would help the poor. They were originally ...Missing: 19th expansion
  51. [51]
    The Elizabeths of the Charterhouse
    Apr 7, 2021 · On 15th February 2005, Prince Philip, who was also a Royal Governor of the Charterhouse, opened and named the Queen Elizabeth II infirmary. It ...
  52. [52]
    inspections: Queen Elizabeth II Infirmary - Care Quality Commission
    The Queen Elizabeth II infirmary provides residential care to a maximum of 11 people. Accommodation is provided in single rooms, with shared living and dining ...
  53. [53]
    SUTTON'S HOSPITAL IN CHARTERHOUSE - Charity Commission
    The Charity provides accommodation and care for defined categories of men and women (the Brothers) in its historic buildings in Charterhouse Square in the City ...
  54. [54]
    Governance - The Charterhouse
    The Assembly of Governors was established by Thomas Sutton on 22 June 1611 to oversee his charitable foundation, and it continues this role today.
  55. [55]
    Design and buildings for communities of older people
    Mar 13, 2025 · With both improved accessibility and the site's conservation being of clear importance to the residents' wellbeing and physical health comes ...Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
  56. [56]
    Charterhouse - Wright & Wright Architects
    The Wash-House Court project marks the latest extension of the Charterhouse's historic and social mission of providing care for the elderly and needy in the ...Missing: improvements 2020s
  57. [57]
    SBHMS - Records of the Medical College of St Bartholomew's Hospital
    Oct 5, 2018 · The pre-clinical school returned to London in 1946, but the rebuilding of the Charterhouse Square site was not completed until 1963. The Robin ...
  58. [58]
    Our history - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
    The Medical College of St. Bartholomew's and The London Hospital Medical College merge to become Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. 1992.
  59. [59]
    Wolfson Institute of Population Health - Queen Mary Heritage
    The Wolfson Institute of Population Health was formed in August 2021, merging the former Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine (founded in 1991) and the ...
  60. [60]
    Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine - Orphanet
    Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Charterhouse Square. LONDON EC1M 6BQ. UNITED KINGDOM. Phone 1: 44 (0)207 882 6274.
  61. [61]
    WHRI - The William Harvey Research Institute
    William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK. Follow us ...Contact usResearch
  62. [62]
    Number of students at Barts and The London School of Medicine ...
    Jan 13, 2019 · I am pleased to provide the information you requested. As at census date 01/12/2018 there were 2235 undergraduates and 1175 postgraduate ...
  63. [63]
    Barts And The London (Queen Mary) Medical School Review - 6med
    Barts and The London is the medical school of Queen Mary, formed in 1995, with 5 campuses, 3,410 students, and a 12th UK ranking. It offers 5-year and 4-year  ...
  64. [64]
    £6.5m to enhance Charterhouse Square research campus
    Our recently awarded grant will transform the Charterhouse Square campus at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (FMD) at Queen Mary University of London.Missing: 2019 refurbishments
  65. [65]
    [PDF] Annual Report 2019 - London - Barts Charity
    Our £6.5m grant is enabling the. School of Medicine and Dentistry. (SMD) to update its historic. Charterhouse Square site. Nestling a few hundred metres from ...
  66. [66]
    Helical agrees sale of 25 Charterhouse Square
    Mar 25, 2024 · Helical plc has exchanged contracts on the sale of the long leasehold interest in 25 Charterhouse Square, London, EC1 to a Real Estate fund managed by global ...
  67. [67]
    Selling the UK's most inspiring living spaces - The Modern House
    Florin Court is one of the most iconic art deco mansion blocks in Central London. Built to a design by Guy Morgan and Partners, who studied under Edward Lutyens ...
  68. [68]
    Florin Court, Non Civil Parish - 1390634 - Historic England
    Florin Court. Florin Court, 6-9, Charterhouse Square. Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places ...
  69. [69]
    DSDHA gets OK to revamp and extend 'fortress-like' Farringdon ...
    Aug 12, 2025 · ... Charterhouse Street. The plan will retrofit a five-storey office block, which was built in 1991 and forms part of the De Beers diamond campus.Missing: 19-25 £85M
  70. [70]
    [PDF] Charterhouse Square School - Ofsted reports
    Jun 28, 2012 · It was founded in 1985 and occupies a five-storey Victorian building overlooking. Charterhouse Square. The school is non-selective and provides ...
  71. [71]
    [PDF] Regulatory Compliance Inspection Report Charterhouse Square ...
    1.2. Founded in 1985, the school became part of the Cognita Schools Group in 2008. Oversight is provided by a team appointed by the proprietor, led by a ...
  72. [72]
    Charterhouse Square School - LinkedIn
    Founded: 1985. Specialties ... 2025 is a landmark year for Charterhouse Square School as we proudly celebrate 40 years of learning, laughter and community.
  73. [73]
    Charterhouse Square Events - Summer Parties
    Party in style this summer with Charterhouse Square events by Smart Parties. Exclusively hire Charterhouse Square, nestled on the edge of the City.Missing: open spaces let 2023-2024 tech boom
  74. [74]
    House Prices in Charterhouse Square, City Of London, London, EC1M
    Sold House Prices in Charterhouse Square, City Of London, London, EC1M ... 12 Jun 2023. £5,350,000. No other historical records. Second Floor Flat, 41 ...Missing: Farringdon boom
  75. [75]
    City Investment Watch – April 2024 - Savills
    Apr 22, 2024 · In the largest income deal this year, Ares acquired the long leasehold interest (148 years at 10% gearing) in 25 Charterhouse Square, EC1.Missing: tech | Show results with:tech
  76. [76]
    How to Get to Charterhouse Square in Finsbury by Bus, Tube or Train?
    The 243 is the first bus that goes to Charterhouse Square in Finsbury. It stops nearby at 03:03. What time is the last bus to Charterhouse Square in Finsbury?
  77. [77]
    Farringdon (Station) to Charterhouse Square - 3 ways to travel via ...
    The distance between Farringdon (Station) and Charterhouse Square is 1961 feet. How do I travel from Farringdon (Station) to Charterhouse Square without a car?
  78. [78]
    25 Charterhouse Square | JLL Properties - UK
    The nearest train station is Farringdon. It is located at 1109 ft or approximately 4 minutes walk distance.
  79. [79]
  80. [80]
  81. [81]
    Charterhouse Street - Transport for London
    Bus routes served by this stop · 17 17 to LTZ1805 London Bridge departing in 3 mins · 17 17 to LTZ1806 London Bridge departing in 19 mins ...
  82. [82]
    [PDF] Cycle Superhighway 6 (North-South) map - London
    Square. Charing Cross. Embankment. Covent. Garden. Blackfriars. St. Paul's ... CHARTERHOUSE. STREET. A. M. W. ELL. S. T. RE. ET. WESTM. INSTER BRIDGE ROAD.
  83. [83]
    Docking stations - Transport for London
    We've introduced staffed hubs at certain high-demand Santander Cycles docking stations to make it easier to hire and dock bikes in central London. The hubs are ...
  84. [84]
    Santander Cycles map - bike docking stations in London - Stolen Ride
    Find a Santander Cycles docking station near you with this live London map. Simply select each marker to see live availability and links to Google Maps.
  85. [85]
    Elizabeth line: Crossrail complete after decades of struggle
    May 23, 2022 · The bodies of dozens of plague victims were uncovered in Liverpool Street and Charterhouse Square. ... area of Farringdon station announces ...
  86. [86]
    The archaeological legacy of the Crossrail excavations - BBC News
    Feb 10, 2017 · With careful planning, 20 sites were excavated by archaeologists at locations where ventilation shafts were put in, where railways entered ...Missing: heritage | Show results with:heritage
  87. [87]
    [PDF] St John Street Public Realm Traffic routing - Let's Talk Islington
    A motor vehicle filter at St John Street and Charterhouse Street will restrict right turns from Cowcross Street. Access to St John Street will be via Turnmill, ...
  88. [88]
    Charterhouse Square school street - City of London
    Dec 6, 2024 · The school street is closed to motor vehicles weekdays 8:15-9:15am and 3-4pm (term time only) on Charterhouse Square, enforced by cameras.
  89. [89]
    [PDF] Islington Controlled Parking Zones Map - London
    ... City. Club. LA WH. CHAP. SPIT сове. Note: This map is designed as a guide only and should not be used as a definitive layout of CPZS in Islington. IRFIZ.
  90. [90]
    Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) - Islington Council
    Apr 12, 2024 · Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) are areas where on-street parking is controlled during specified times. They are the most effective way of managing parking.
  91. [91]
    The Charterhouse: Homepage
    The Charterhouse has been living the nation's history since 1348. In that time it has served as a monastery, private mansion, boys school and an almshouse.Plan Your Visit · Charterhouse Square Tours · Explore the Charterhouse · What's On
  92. [92]
    [PDF] Smithfield Conservation Area Character Summary ... - City of London
    The Smithfield Conservation Area is north of Holborn Viaduct and Newgate Street, covering 12.1 hectares. It includes areas like St Bartholomew-the-Great and ...Missing: affiliations | Show results with:affiliations
  93. [93]
    [PDF] Transport Strategy Delivery Plan | City of London
    Apr 23, 2025 · Public realm, lighting, wayfinding and greening improvements to ... • New raised side street crossings for cycling, walking and wheeling.Missing: regeneration | Show results with:regeneration
  94. [94]
    [PDF] City ofLondon Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2020
    The City of London is in the process of rolling out the replacement of its street lighting using ... City where there have been significant public realm ...
  95. [95]
    Charterhouse in London opens to public for first time in 400 years
    Jan 26, 2017 · London's Charterhouse, a former 14th-century Carthusian monastery and burial ground for victims of the Black Death, will open its doors to the public for the ...<|separator|>
  96. [96]
    [PDF] Visitor Experience Assistant - The Charterhouse
    We have opened our doors for a range of public engagement events including our online lecture series, Open Gardens, Open House and Heritage Open Days. We ...
  97. [97]
    What's On - The Charterhouse
    Don't miss our exciting and diverse programme of events here at the Charterhouse, including music, workshops, family fun, drama and special talks and tours.Missing: let | Show results with:let
  98. [98]
    Dickens and the Origin of "The Warden" - jstor
    Charterhouse article in Household Words. ... Trollope would therefore be justified in assuming that. Dickens was either the actual author or the active instigator ...
  99. [99]
    John Strype's Survey of London Online
    At the Gate of this Charterhouse is a fair Water-Conduit with two Cocks, serving the use of the Neighbours, to their great Commodity. Charterhouse Lane.
  100. [100]
    Goodbye to the splendid 1930s world of Poirot - BBC News
    Nov 15, 2013 · Then there's Poirot's flat. Given as "Whitehaven Mansions", it's actually Florin Court in Charterhouse Square, Clerkenwell, in central London.
  101. [101]
    Return of the Black Death | BBC Documentaries
    The discovery of 25 medieval skeletons in London could shatter the myths around the Bubonic plague and explain why it was so devastating in the ...Missing: pits Charterhouse Square
  102. [102]
    Exploring the myths of the Charterhouse Plague Pit - Icy Sedgwick
    Aug 5, 2023 · Charterhouse lies between Clerkenwell and Smithfield, just north of the City of London. The area is allegedly rife with plague pits ...