Carthusian Street is an ancient lane from Charterhouse to Aldersgate Street. It is named for the order of monks, the Carthusians, who were prominent in this area. Originally, a narrow lane, it was widened around 1700 and then by at least a further 15 feet in about 1820. Unusually, it was paved in wood during the 19th century, apparently to deaden the noise of heavy carts rumbling between Aldersgate Street and Smithfield.
On the north side, No. 1 Carthusian Street was built in 1883 along with No. 129 Aldersgate St. Nos. 2-5 are flats built by Berkeley Homes in 1999.
The Sutton Arms at No. 6 Carthusian Street, built in 1898, is the most attractive building in the street.
Nos. 7 and 8 Carthusian Street were originally Victorian houses, built in 1821. The façades were retained but the interiors were completely reconstructed in 1998.
On the south side, the corner building which is No. 131 Aldersgate Street and Nos. 14 to 17 Carthusian Street looks like a single building. But in fact they were built separately because the Red Lion pub on the corner at No. 130 Aldersgate Street was in the middle. But when the developers were able to buy up the pub as well, they were able to join the buildings seamlessly.
Many of the houses which have existed on the south side of Carthusian Street for a century were replaced by Nos. 9-13 Carthusian Street, which is the Chamber of Shipping.
