A Brief History of Charterhouse-in-Southwark

Charterhouse-in-Southwark or 'Charterhouse Mission' as it was then, was set up, funded, and in some cases staffed, by 'Old Carthusians', old boys of Charterhouse School. The first Missioner, The Rev Curry, opened the doors in April 1885 at 40 Tabard Street. The Mission was established as part of the settlement movement where relatively privileged members of society, moved into poor areas of the country and living 'amongst and alongside' worked to alleviate poverty. They also attended to spiritual, physical and educational needs of local people.

By the 1880's the area around Borough had become one of the worst in London and provided a challenge for the first Missioner. A chapel was set up in the basement of Tabard street, clubs were started up for men and boys as well as a young women's society which was run by the Reverend Curry's wife. Regular Christmas parties were held, as were football and cricket matches between the boys club and the pupils of Charterhouse School.

As the Mission's popularity grew land was bought in Crosby Row and in 1908 the memorial stone of St Hugh's Church was dedicated. Above the Church hall were a gym and a working man's club. In the 1930s a new building for girls was opened also in Crosby Row.

To ensure funds were available for new projects the Old Carthusians Society would put on balls, concerts and dramas. Those lucky enough to attend were encouraged to dig deep into their pockets.

There may have been post war slum clearances and more recent changes with new buildings all around, but Southwark is still one of the most deprived areas of London and the country. Charterhouse-in-Southwark still supports the people of Southwark in a variety of ways. We still hold fundraising events and are supported by Old Carthusians with money and time, (some volunteer as trustees, fundraisers or for the projects) and there are still links with the school by way of visits and sports matches. Some of the activities may have changed but those first Charterhouse missioners would still recognize the problems in our community: poverty, housing issues and social breakdown and Charterhouse-in-Southwark is still committed to helping 'amongst and alongside'.

For a full history containing lots of pictures, there is an excellent book written by Shirley Corke. 'Charterhouse-in-Southwark' by Shirley Corke is priced £12.99 + £2.99 P&P available from Charterhouse-in-Southwark. Phone 020 74071123 or alternatively email info@charterhouse-in-southwark.org.uk for details.

Reg Charity No: 208785

L to R, Jean Love, Lil Sullivan, Tom Ablett, Rev Robert Haslam


	Click here for a PDF version of the Charterhouse Mission Newsletter from December 1890 to January 1891 and front page for the Dedication of the church of St Hugh, 5th February 1898.