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Sir John Hawkins Hospital

Built on the site of Kettle Hard - part of Bishop Gundulph's Hospital of St Bartholomew, the Almshouse is a square of Georgian houses dating from the 1790s. A delightful small secluded garden overlooks the River Medway, full of vibrant and colourful planting. A lawn with cottage style borders leads to the riverside and a miniature gnome village captivates small children.

Owner Info

Sir John Hawkins Hospital
Sir John Hawkins Hospital
Sir John Hawkins Hospital
Sir John Hawkins Hospital

About Sir John Hawkins Hospital

The Almshouse is the Royal Navy’s oldest hospital, founded on this site in 1594 on the grant of a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I to Sir John Hawkins. Sir John had been Controller of the Navy, but his concern about the destitution of many veterans who had fought in 1588, against the Spanish Armada, led him to establish a fund “to provide accommodation for the relief of disabled and needy mariners and shipwrights in service of the realm”. He set aside parts of his estates along the southern waterfront of the river Medway, in Chatham to found the hospital. The garden is a peaceful and secluded community area for the residents of the almshouse to enjoy.

Website:

https://www.hawkinshospital.org.uk

Sir John Hawkins Hospital features

  • Dog friendly
  • Historical Garden
  • Plants for sale
  • Refreshments
  • Roses
  • Town Garden
  • Wheelchair access
  • Wildlife Garden

Location details

Sir John Hawkins Hospital,
Chatham,
Kent,
ME4 4EW

Directions to Sir John Hawkins Hospital
Leave A2 at J1 & follow signs to Rochester. Pass Rochester Stn & turn L at main junc T-lights, travelling E towards Chatham.

Sir John Hawkins Hospital openings

You can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Cream teas. Farm House Teas and light refreshments served all day.
Admission Adult: £3.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-17:00

You can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Cream teas. Farm House Teas and light refreshments served all day.
Admission Adult: £3.00
Child: Free
Opening times 11:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • Disabled access via stairlift, wheelchair to be carried separately.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Payment is by cash only. Please get in touch with the owners for more details.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Sir John Hawkins Hospital at this time.

Yes, dogs are welcome at  Sir John Hawkins Hospital. Please keep the dogs on fixed short leads in the garden and keep in mind that you are responsible for controlling the dog’s behaviour. For any specific rules please ask the owners.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at  Sir John Hawkins Hospital, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Sir John Hawkins Hospital are accessible to wheelchair users.

Yes. Sir John Hawkins Hospital seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.