Spitalfields Charnel House: A Medieval Sanctuary Beneath London
Discover the haunting medieval charnel house beneath Bishop’s Square, a rare glimpse into London’s past where thousands of souls rest beneath the modern city.
Nestled beneath Bishop's Square in London’s Spitalfields district lies the Spitalfields Charnel House, a rare medieval relic dating back to the early 14th century. Originally part of the Priory of St Mary Spital, this historic site served as a charnel house and chapel where the bones of thousands who died during times of famine and plague were stored. Today, its preserved ruins lie beneath glass floors, offering a haunting glimpse into London's medieval past amidst the modern urban landscape.
A brief summary to Spitalfields Charnel House
- Bishops Square, London, E1 6FQ, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and better access to the subterranean viewing area.
- Look for the glass floor panels in Bishop’s Square to see the charnel house remains from street level.
- Explore nearby Spitalfields Market to combine history with vibrant shopping and dining.
- Read the informational panels on site to understand the archaeological and historical context.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central or Circle Line to Liverpool Street Station, approximately a 10-minute walk to Bishop’s Square. The station is well-served with frequent trains, and fares range from £2.50 to £5 depending on ticket type and time.
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London Overground
Use the London Overground to Shoreditch High Street Station, about a 12-minute walk to the site. Overground trains run regularly, with fares starting around £2.50.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Spitalfields area, including routes 8, 26, and 35. Travel times vary from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Contactless payment is accepted, with fares around £1.75 per journey.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Bishop’s Square is pleasant and accessible, with flat terrain and pedestrian-friendly streets. Walking times from Liverpool Street Station are about 10 minutes.
Spitalfields Charnel House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Spitalfields Charnel House
The Origins and Historical Role of the Charnel House
The Spitalfields Charnel House dates from around 1320 and was part of the Priory of St Mary Spital, a medieval hospital founded in the late 12th century. Unlike modern hospitals, this institution primarily provided spiritual care for pilgrims and the infirm, offering shelter and aid rather than advanced medical treatment. The name 'Spitalfields' itself derives from 'hospital' and 'fields,' reflecting the area’s origins as a site for the priory and its adjacent burial grounds. The charnel house served a vital function in managing the remains of those who died at the hospital and in times of mass mortality, such as famine and plague outbreaks, by storing bones exhumed to make room for new graves.Architectural and Archaeological Significance
The building is one of the few surviving medieval structures in London, notable for its stone construction featuring knapped flints, Kentish Ragstone facings, and Caen stone bases. Archaeological excavations in the late 1990s uncovered the subterranean charnel house beneath Bishop’s Square, revealing a vault once packed with thousands of human bones, including skulls and leg bones arranged according to medieval burial customs. Traces of Romanesque arches and masons’ marks speak to the craftsmanship of the era. Remarkably, the charnel house was repurposed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, becoming a domestic basement kitchen and later filled with rubble from the Great Fire of London, which helped preserve it until its rediscovery.The Charnel House in the Context of London’s History
The site lies on what was originally a Roman burial ground outside the city walls, a tradition continued through the medieval period. Its location between Bishopsgate and Aldgate made it a key area for interments, especially during crises when mortality rates soared. The hospital and charnel house witnessed the devastating effects of the Great Famine and successive plague outbreaks, which decimated London’s population. Over centuries, the area evolved from a religious and burial site into a bustling commercial district, with the charnel house eventually hidden beneath modern development.Modern Rediscovery and Preservation
Discovered during construction work in 1999, the charnel house might have been lost to redevelopment if not for a shift in plans prompted by changes in financial trading technology and public interest. Today, the ruins are preserved beneath glass floors in Bishop’s Square, allowing visitors to peer into this subterranean medieval vault. Interpretive panels and artistic installations, including statues by David Teager-Portman, enrich the visitor experience by connecting the site’s somber history with contemporary culture.The Spiritual and Cultural Legacy
The charnel house embodies medieval beliefs about death and resurrection, where bones were carefully stored to await the Day of Judgement. It reflects the coexistence of economic realities and spiritual aspirations, with benefactors funding its construction for the salvation of souls. Its survival through centuries of urban change symbolizes London’s layered history, bridging ancient rituals with modern life.Visiting Experience and Atmosphere
Visiting the Spitalfields Charnel House offers a unique encounter with London’s past beneath the vibrant market and office spaces above. The glass floor and subterranean access create an atmospheric setting where the weight of history is palpable. The site invites reflection on mortality, memory, and the city’s enduring spirit, making it a compelling destination for those interested in archaeology, medieval history, and urban transformation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Northumbria University - London
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182 Bishopsgate
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Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
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Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Arnold Circus
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Arnold Circus: The historic heart of London's first council estate, born from slum clearance and social reform, now a vibrant community landmark.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
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Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Shoreditch Church
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Lloyd's of London
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Threadneedle St
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Historic Threadneedle Street: London’s iconic financial artery, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
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Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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Discover Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historical cemetery in London, offering a peaceful escape and the final resting place of literary legends.
Cornhill Fountain
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A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
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Unmissable attractions to see
Spital Square
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Discover Spital Square, a serene Georgian enclave in vibrant Spitalfields, where history and culture weave together in East London's heart.
Spitalfields Market
0.1 km
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Dennis Severs' House
0.1 km
Step into a candlelit Georgian townhouse and journey through centuries of Spitalfields’ silk-weaving heritage in a uniquely immersive theatrical museum.
Old Spitalfields Market
0.1 km
Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Sclater Street Market
0.2 km
Discover eclectic vintage finds, street food delights, and creative energy at Sclater Street Market in London’s dynamic East End.
Commercial St
0.2 km
A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.3 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Fashion St
0.3 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Shoreditch
0.4 km
East London's creative playground where street art, markets, and nightlife collide in authentic, ever-evolving style.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.4 km
A vibrant East London cultural and culinary hotspot blending vintage markets, global street food, and creative community spirit in a historic brewery setting.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
Dray Walk
0.4 km
Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
Devonshire Square
0.4 km
A tranquil blend of Victorian heritage and modern elegance in London’s bustling financial heart.
Brick Lane Mosque
0.4 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.4 km
Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Essential places to dine
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.2 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Lyle's
0.5 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
The Clove Club
0.8 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
0.8 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
14 Hills
0.9 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
1.1 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Brawn
1.2 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Madison
1.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
St. John
1.6 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Restaurant Story
1.9 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.9 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
George
1.9 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.3 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Middlesex Textiles
0.4 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Luna & Curious
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Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Barbican Shop
1.1 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
1 Poultry
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Traders Gate
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Tower of London Shop
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Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
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One New Change
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Hay's Galleria
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Smithfield Market
1.6 km
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Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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Borough Yards
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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The Astronomer, EC1
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Dirty Dicks
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Discount Suit Company
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The Bell
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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Aviary
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Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
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Flight Club Shoreditch
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Ballie Ballerson London
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Demon, Wise & Partners
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Shoreditch Balls
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Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
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Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
XOYO LONDON
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Basing House - Shoreditch
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The Steel Yard
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E1
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London Best Night Clubs
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Ministry of Sound
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Carwash Nightclub
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Proud Late
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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Corsica Studios
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Cirque Du Soul
3.3 km
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We Are Waterloo
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
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The Roxy
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
3.4 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
