Milton Chantry
The oldest building in Gravesend, a 14th-century former leper hospital with a free display on the town's heritage and Roman finds.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Milton Chantry is the oldest building in Gravesend. It is all that remains of a hospital for people with leprosy, founded in 1322 by Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke. Over the centuries it has been a hospital, a Tudor chantry chapel, a public house and a Georgian barracks, and its basement was converted into a gas decontamination chamber during the Second World War.
The building is mostly covered by a 19th-century brick casing, but it still has its 14th-century timber roof. It stands in Fort Gardens on the edge of the town centre, near the Thames. English Heritage lists it as a free site, and it is managed by Gravesham Borough Council.
Inside, a small display presents the heritage of Gravesend, including a selection of Roman finds. A free audio guide leads visitors through the rooms and explains how the building was used in different periods. The rooms are on several floors and levels linked by wooden stairs.
Highlights
- Oldest building in Gravesend, founded as a leper hospital in 1322
- 14th-century timber roof hidden behind later brickwork
- Display on Gravesend heritage with Roman finds
- Free audio guide to the building and its uses
- Second World War gas decontamination chamber in the basement
Permanent exhibition
- Heritage of Gravesend – A display of objects about the history of Gravesend, including a selection of Roman finds, inside the medieval chantry building.
- Operated by
- Gravesham Borough Council (English Heritage site)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building is spread over several floors and levels that are reached by wooden stairs. Only assistance dogs are allowed.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
A pay-and-display car park, not run by English Heritage, is next to Fort Gardens on Milton Place, a few minutes' walk away.
Amenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Restaurant: not available
There are no facilities at the site, but it is on the edge of Gravesend town centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A free audio guide describes the features of the building and its uses through different periods. Smoking, vaping, barbecues and naked flames are not permitted. |
