Eastbridge Hospital

Eastbridge Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr is a hospital in the old sense of the word - a place of hospitality. Since its foundation in the 12th century the Archbishop of Canterbury has been the patron.

From the middle of the last century the Master of Eastbridge has also been Rector of churches in the city centre, now consisting of St. Peter's and St. Mildred's. More recently the Master has been appointed the Priest in Charge of the Parish of Blean, which has been in the Patronage of the Hospital since the Middle Ages.

For 800 years the Eastbridge has given shelter and help to pilgrims, soldiers, local societies and schoolchildren. For over 400 years it has provided a permanent home to a number of elderly people.