Canterbury in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Infirmary Ruins
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 30, 2026
1. The Infirmary Ruins Marker
The building of an Infirmary began on this site c.1120, under the direction of Prior Wibert, who was the head of the monastery.
It was where sick and elderly monks could be looked after, and medical practitioners from outside of the priory were employed to ensure that the best standards of care were provided.
There was even a separate bath-house and a garden where medicinal herbs were grown.
In 1540, under King Henry VIII, the Reformation brought an end to the monastery at the Cathedral. This saw the Infirmary converted into housing to help accommodate the new clergy.
This watercolour painting depicts the converted housing, before it was demolished in 1864.
The first Canon to live in the building pictured was Richard Thornden. He had been a monk before the Reformation, and later became the Bishop of Dover in 1545. Watercolour painting by Louisa Helps, c. 1840
Erected by Canterbury Cathedral.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 51° 16.794′ N, 1° 5.046′ E. Marker is in Canterbury, England, in Kent. It can be reached from The Precincts
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Canterbury War Horse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Plane Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); The Buffs (within shouting distance of this marker); The Water Tower Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); George Robert Canning (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Kent World War I Memorial (about 90 meters away); The Thomas Ingoldsby (about 180 meters away); Burgate (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canterbury.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 30, 2026
2. The Infirmary Ruins
circa 1910
3. The Infirmary Ruins - more than a century earlier
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on June 3, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
