Walking down the busy streets of the Barbican, it’s hard to imagine there could be a seven-acre secret garden hidden behind the high walls on Clerkenwell Road. Nestled on the edge of the City of London, The Charterhouse is a remarkable site steeped in history, architectural splendour, and verdant beauty. This hidden gem includes the historic Charterhouse Square, and six enchanting courtyard gardens contained within the ancient Tudor walls of what was once a medieval monastery. These private gardens are meticulously maintained for the benefit of ‘The Brothers’ – residents of the almshouse – and are seldom opened to public view.Join us as we explore The Charterhouse gardens during London Open Gardens weekend in June, the annual event that opens the gates to over 100 of the city's most remarkable and privately owned green spaces for a weekend. A Glimpse into The Charterhouse's HistoryThe Charterhouse, originally established in 1371, began its life as a Carthusian monastery built on ground used as a burial pit for victims of the Black Death. Over the centuries, it has served various other purposes: a Tudor mansion visited by royalty, a school (which has since moved to Godalming), and an almshouse. Today, it remains a charitable foundation providing housing and care for its community of retired individuals known as ‘The Brothers’, alongside its historical and cultural offerings.One of the most significant periods in its history was during the Tudor era. Following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, the monks defied the King and were executed for treason. The monastery was seized by the crown, before being purchased by Sir Edward North who converted it into a grand private residence. Later, it was bought by Thomas Sutton, one of England's wealthiest men, who founded the almshouse and school in 1611. Above: The Charterhouse, London; the Great Hall. Engraving by J. Ow Wellcome, © Wellcome Library The gardens of The CharterhouseHistory remains evident in the architecture of The Charterhouse. The start of the secret garden is accessed from the main building through the Norfolk Cloister, a long, brick corridor with high windows spilling sunlight onto the flagstone floor. A small door emerges into the garden. The summer has just begun and with it brings flowering pink and red hydrangea, climbing roses, clematis, and foxgloves. It's an otherworldly sight, almost like walking through the cloister has taken us through a time capsule to Tudor buildings and cobbled paths. The only evidence you are still in modern London comes from a glimpse over the wall, where the top of the Barbican estate is just about visible in the distance. Within the dense planting of ferns, hostas, and other perennials, are pockets of lawn with seating for residents, sheltered by trees in dappled sunlight. The gardens are carefully looked after all year by a team of gardeners. The site is a Grade 2 SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation) – a rarity in the city of London. The garden is an important habitat for urban wildlife, and is home to several incredibly old mulberry trees, perhaps some of the first ever planted in the city. Above: one of the old mulberry trees (left) a view of the Barbican above the wall (right)A series of courtyards unfold as we walk through the garden paths, unveiling a mixture of manicured lawn and re-wilded space. It’s great to see some areas left to grow as they wish, with minimal mowing (small paths have been created within the grass for access). Above: a path amongst the grass; the wall at the back of the garden meets the busy Clerkenwell RoadWe learn that the team of gardeners are increasing biodiversity in the garden – there is an ongoing experiment led by a student at the University of Greenwich, involving strawberry plants. The experiment records the number and variety of pollinators visiting them, with a clever self-watering mechanism and mat to prevent slugs.The more formal gardens of the cloisters are laid out in squares, with sculptural hedging containing roses, and tall hollyhocks and other fragrant plants in pots lining the edges of the residents’ homes. Interesting facts about The CharterhouseThe on-site museum, free for the public to visit, offers insights into the past history of the building and its many occupants throughout the years.Historical residents: The Charterhouse is mentioned in the writings of several notable figures, including Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray, the latter of which attended the school.The Black Death: During the Black Death plague in 1348, the land the Charterhouse was built on was used as a burial ground for victims, adding a poignant chapter to its history.On screen: The Charterhouse's atmospheric setting has made it a popular filming location, featuring in productions such as