7 centuries of history
Foundation
The Charterhouse was founded in 1384 by Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk and son of William de la Pole, Hull's first mayor. Next to it he founded a Carthusian Priory, which gave its name to the hospital (a word which simply meant a place of hospitality). Known as God's House in Hull, the hospital accommodated 13 poor men and 13 poor women. It was situated to the north of the city, beyond the walls, in de la Pole's manor of Myton. He endowed it with the rents from lands in Myton as well as in Hessle and nearby properties. This endowment still provides income for the charity.
Inmates, as they were then known, were chosen by the Mayor and Corporation of Hull.
Inmates, as they were then known, were chosen by the Mayor and Corporation of Hull.
Two centuries of change
The priory was closed and demolished when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries; but the hospital was a separate foundation, and survived.
During the Civil War the buildings were demolished to make way for a gun emplacement, and residents moved into premises in Silver St. A new Charterhouse was built after the war. The only picture we have of it is the sketch shown on the right. These buildings survived until 1780.
During the Civil War the buildings were demolished to make way for a gun emplacement, and residents moved into premises in Silver St. A new Charterhouse was built after the war. The only picture we have of it is the sketch shown on the right. These buildings survived until 1780.
The Master's House
The Master's house dates from the 17th century, and was big enough to accommodate a large family and a number of servants. One of the Masters was Andrew Marvell, the father of the poet. The house was badly damaged in an air raid in 1941, and was restored to its original state in the 1950s. The western wing was converted into flats for residents, and was called Chignell House after a 20th century Master.
The 1780 development
The rebuilding of 1780 produced the Charterhouse we see today. The chapel became the centre of the building which is now called Old House. Another wing was added in 1804. Residents lived in single rooms, without running water, and with only a fireplace for cooking and heating, and received a small weekly allowance. The residents were nominated by members of the City Council, which had authority over the charity.
19th and 20th centuries
During the 19th century more blocks of rooms were added. One major benefactor was William Thomas Dibb, one of the founders of Hull Brewery. In the 1880s he paid for 14 new rooms to be built. At the same time, the city had grown to swallow the Charterhouse, which was surrounded by housing and industry.
Renovations took place in 1960, but in 1978 there was a complete redevelopment. The old blocks were demolished, and new, modern flats were built. In the remaining historic blocks, rooms were merged into flats.
Renovations took place in 1960, but in 1978 there was a complete redevelopment. The old blocks were demolished, and new, modern flats were built. In the remaining historic blocks, rooms were merged into flats.