Site
2.1 Site
2.2 Architecture
Eastbridge Hospital Greyfriars Chapel Greyfriars Gardens
These gardens and a small buildings are ancient lands of Canterbury, Eastbridge Hospital was set up in the 12th Century as a place of hospitality for visiting pilgrims to Thomas Becket’s shrine in Canterbury Cathedral and the Greyfriar’s garden and chapel sits on lands given to the Franciscian monks in the 13th century. The space is layered with historic use and meaning, with several special conditions in relation to its urban context and adjacency to the River Stour. The buidings on the site are a typical Kentish vernacular using traditional materials of brick, flint, timber, terracotta tiles, plaster, leaded glass and paint. The spaces have been used for many different purposes over the years and the non-planned nature of the buildings expresses this. The sites are of historical importance and have undertaken extensive resoration and preservation from various different funding sources. Eastbridge hospital comprises a chapel and undercroft on the lower floor, a refectory and large chapl on the first floor. There is also living accomodation on site. The Greyfriars Chapel is a two storey building aver the River Stour. Downstairs are two small exhibition spaces, upstairs, a chapel and a preparation/storage room.
Location
T homas Becket, BBC In Our Time
Giotto, T he Preaching of St Francis to the Birds, c.1298
UCA Canterbury School of Architecture //