Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas the Martyr, Canterbury, Medieval hospital and pilgrim accommodation in Canterbury, England
Eastbridge Hospital is a medieval building in Canterbury that spans the River Stour and housed pilgrims and travelers. It displays Romanesque and Gothic features, with a stone arch at the entrance and large windows from different periods.
The hospital was founded in 1180 to support pilgrims traveling to the cathedral. Over centuries the building evolved while maintaining its function as a refuge for different groups of people.
The name references the bridge over the Stour and the connection to the veneration of Saint Thomas. Today visitors can observe how the architecture reflects the site's role as a stopping point for those making their religious journeys.
The building can be visited and is centrally located in Canterbury, easily reached on foot from the cathedral. Visitors should note that space is limited and it is advisable to check opening hours in advance.
The building still serves as accommodation today, mainly for elderly people and those in need, mirroring its original purpose. This continuous use over more than 800 years makes it one of the few places that has kept its core function.
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