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Charlton House

A Jacobean house latterly used as a wartime hospital, then a museum and library and now community hub.

Charlton, London, SE7 8RE

Charlton House Library

Experience this house

Visit

Historic Houses members must pay for entrance for this property.
Historic Houses members must pay for entrance for this property.
Facilities
  • Cafe / restaurant
  • Easily accessible without car
  • Parkland / open spaces
  • Pet friendly
for the latest information.
Accessibility
  • Guide dogs welcome
  • Accessible toilets
  • Access statement available
  • Accessible parking
  • Wheelchair ramps/routes
  • Hearing loops
Does our information need updating?
Let us know here

Charlton House illustrates a little-represented phase in the evolution of the English country house. The original oak staircase remains alongside beautiful fireplaces and plasterwork ceilings.

With a range of rooms, halls, and gardens there is a diversity to the House which will delight visitors as well as provide unique spaces for commercial and filming hire.

Charlton House was built between 1607 and 1612 for Sir Adam Newton, tutor to Henry, Prince of Wales – the eldest son of King James I.

The varying ownership of the House over the years paints an interesting story reflected in the building itself and within the local area. Notable owners include Spencer Percival, the only Prime Minister to be assassinated. In 1918, the Maryon-Wilson Family gave the Red Cross free use of the House for an Auxiliary Hospital. Charlton House is one of the finest surviving Jacobean manor houses in England.

Opening Times

Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.

View website

House: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Tea Room: Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm

Closed on Bank Holidays. Special Closures will be listed on our website.

Admission

This house is not part of the Free for Members scheme, but is one of many houses on our website that we support to promote their tours, weddings, filming and other commercial offerings. To see all the places you can visit as a Historic Houses member, please visit our ‘Free for Members’ listings page here. Or to find out more about how the membership scheme works and how it supports our work to protect independent heritage, visit our page here.

Educational Visits

Sessions on local history and Charlton House. Suitable for KS2.
Sessions last 90 minutes and cost £60.

On arrival, your class will be split into two groups and will alternate between the following activities:

Guided Tour

Explore one of the best surviving examples of Jacobean architecture in the country. Learn about the 400-year history of Charlton House and those who were able to call it home.

Map Skills Activity

Examine historic and modern maps of Charlton, discovering how the area has changed over time as well as using invaluable practical skills using keys and grid references and giving and following directions.

for the latest information.
Accessibility
  • Guide dogs welcome
  • Accessible toilets
  • Access statement available
  • Accessible parking
  • Wheelchair ramps/routes
  • Hearing loops
Does our information need updating?
Let us know here

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