Eastbridge Hospital

Eastbridge Hospital, founded in 1180, originally provided for poor pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Thomas Becket. The building has undergone restoration, most recently in 1832 and 1927. Initially, it accommodated twelve pilgrims nightly at a charge of four pence for board and lodging. In the 14th century, a chantry chapel was added, and following the Dissolution, the building was converted into almshouses.

The exterior presents two distinct sections. The left side is two storeys high, constructed with knapped flint and stone quoins, topped with a crenellated parapet and a tiled roof. It features three early Perpendicular windows with reticulated tracery set in stone surrounds, and incorporates a 14th-century arched doorway within an earlier 12th-century round-arched opening. The right-hand side exhibits a timber-framed structure with an early 19th-century brick facade facing the High Street. This section is three storeys high, with a crenellated parapet and features four lancet windows, some double and some triple with diamond panes, set beneath a brick plinth. The rear elevation of this portion dates to the 17th century and has tile hanging, with two to three storeys and a slate roof in hips, incorporating restored sash windows.

The hall and undercroft date back to circa 1180. The undercroft, originally a dormitory, is groin-vaulted, with five by two bays supported on short round piers featuring round ball caps and moulded bases; this architectural style was first demonstrated in 1179 within William the Englishman's crypt. A 13th-century mural on the north wall depicts a seated figure of Christ within an almond-shaped surround, accompanied by symbols of the four Evangelists. The south wall displays late 16th-century painted panels featuring strapwork and shields of arms. The chapel located above the hall boasts a fine crown post roof.

The adjacent buildings, numbers 25 to 29 and the cottages to the southwest of the main Eastbridge Hospital building, contribute to a distinct group setting.