Plans to restore Coventry's medieval Charterhouse move step closer - The Coventry Observer

Plans to restore Coventry's medieval Charterhouse move step closer

Coventry Editorial 17th Dec, 2018   0

PLANS to restore Coventry’s medieval Charterhouse have moved a step closer after a city conservation group was awarded new funding.

The Historic Coventry Trust has been tasked with regenerating the hidden gem in time for UK City of Culture 2021.

It has been granted £125,000 from Allchurches Trust – one of the UK’s largest grant-making organisations.

The Coventry conservation group will use the funding towards restoring the Charterhouse, its walled gardens and grounds off London Road just outside Coventry city centre.




The grant means the Historic Coventry Trust is only £50,000 off its £8million target towards the Phase 1 project.

This will involve opening a heritage visitor centre and educational attraction at the Grade 1 Listed 14th century Carthusian monastery, as well as creating the first 30 acres of a planned 70-acre Heritage Park.


The plans also include creating interactive displays charting the extensive history of the Charterhouse, which was founded by King Richard II in 1385, recreating two monks’ cells set in the walled garden and launching a café.

Chairman of the Historic Coventry Trust Ian Harrabin said: “This sum will help towards preserving one of Coventry’s – and the UK’s – finest heritage properties because The Charterhouse is one of only two Carthusian Monasteries with significant remains in the UK, and its 15th and 16th century wall paintings are among our finest examples of medieval and Elizabethan art.

“The outcome of our work will leave a legacy for future generations.

“Research shows the local economy will benefit by around £4million annually the grant means we are on track to make all of this a reality by 2021, when the national and international spotlight will shine on Coventry as UK City of Culture.”

Work is due to start on the Charterhouse scheme in the New Year.

Allchurches Trust has also given important grants to several locations across Coventry this year.

St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor was granted funding towards a new church and community hub.

St Mary Magdalen Church in Chapelfields gained funding towards repairing and protecting the unusual design of this historically significant heritage building.

And the House of Empowerment in Longford benefited from money towards the restoration and reopening of a dilapidated Victorian baptist chapel for worship and as a focus for community outreach to people in one of the most deprived parishes in Coventry.

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