Established in the 12th century by the Archbishop of Canterbury following the martyrdom of St Thomas Becket on 29 December 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral as accommodation for poor pilgrims visiting his tomb. The Eastbridge Hospital has operated as an almshouse for the last 400 years. There is the Gothic undercoft, the Pilgrims Chapel and the Refectory with its 13th century wall paintings. It is the first settlement of Franciscan Friars in Britain in 1224 while St Francis of Assisi was still alive. Services are still held weekly on Wednesdays at 12.30 pm throughout the year.

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