The chapel of Maynard and Cotton's Hospital (almshouse)

The almshouse was originally founded in the 12th century by a wealthy citizen called Maynier the Rich. At that time the hospital, or ‘Spital’ as it was called, was to house the elderly poor, 3 men and 4 women. In 1604, three further dwellings were provided for one poor widower and two poor widows under the will of the mayor, Leonard Cotton.

Little is known of the medieval history as the archives were in London as part of a legal battle and were lost in the Great Fire of 1666. Further ill fortune struck the almshouses themselves when the great storm of 1703, which damaged so many buildings in England, also damaged them. The single-storey houses in Hospital Lane date from the re-building of 1708. The chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is wood-panelled. During worship, the residents and trustees sit facing one another; a wooden candelabra lights the small chapel at night but in daytime light is provided by a large south-facing window. The coat of arms of Queen Anne is over the door.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

1300-1600

Saturday 14 September:

1300-1600

Location & directions

Maynard and Cotton's Hospital (almshouse), Hospital Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2PE

Directions:

The entrance is in the middle of the single storey building in Hospital Lane.

Contact on day:

Brian McHenry

Telephone number:

+447780308220

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The chapel is small and reached by a corridor from the front door so wheelchair access and access with assistance dogs is not feasible. There are car parks in nearby Castle Street. Visitors can stay as long as they like, but there is only space for about 20 visitors at any one time.

Additional information

There are car parks in Castle Street nearby.

Back to results