Coventry’s Grade I listed Charterhouse has welcomed visitors for the first time in its 600-year history, following a £12m restoration by Historic Coventry Trust.
The 14th Century building was rescued after it was put up for sale more than a decade ago. It is the only Carthusian monastery in the country to survive with intact interiors, and now includes displays charting the site’s history as well as the relandscaped monastic inner precinct, now a walled garden.
The Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands and the Lord Mayor of Coventry officially opened the building at a reception on 30th March. A ceremonial key was handed to local residents, key partners and members of Historic Coventry Trust.
Further plans for the visitor attraction now include a new café and bar operated by Michelin-star chef Glynn Purnell.
Coventry’s Grade I Charterhouse sets reopening date after £10 million refurbishment
The opening of the Charterhouse is part of the Trust’s larger £30m project to restore Coventry’s heritage. Historic Coventry Trust was initially formed to save Charterhouse, but has since reached a deal with Coventry City Council which has seen it restore more of the city’s heritage.
Ian Harrabin, founder and chair of the Trust, said: “This is a great example of what can be done when you have a pool of committed, dedicated residents, a local authority which is prepared to think outside the norm and some very generous and supportive partners and funders. That combination can achieve great things, and that is what has happened here.”
“We look forward to welcoming people from Coventry, Warwickshire and across the UK to come and see what has been achieved and to enjoy an asset that we are really lucky to have here in Coventry.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) was mong the financial supporters of Historic Coventry Trust with a grant of £6 million for the refurbishment and reopening of the site.
Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at NLHF added: “Charterhouse is an important part of Coventry’s heritage, and this community focus will help celebrate the town’s rich history in a way that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.”
Image: Exterior view of Grade I listed Charterhouse in Coventry ahead of its official reopening to the public following a major refurbishment by Historic Coventry Trust. Photo credit- Michael Leckie/PA Wire
