Brothers

The Brothers were originally those who could supply 'good testimonye and certificat of theire good behaviour and soundnes in religion', those who had been servants to the King 'either decrepit or old captaynes either at sea or land', maimed or disabled soldiers, merchants fallen on hard times, those ruined by shipwreck or other calamity'.

There is accommodation for 40 Brothers in the main buildings and the Admiral Ashmore Building. This consists of a pair of rooms, with en-suite facilities. In addition, there are 10 rooms in the Queen Elizabeth II Infirmary, which has three-star status as a registered care home providing nursing, where Brothers are accommodated when they require personal care.

The Brothers, who are in need of financial and social support, are selected from a wide variety of professions, which includes teachers, clergymen, writers and editors, musicians, artists, and many have served in the armed forces. At entry they have to be between 60 and 80 years of age and in good health. They must also have a desire to live together in a community following a very simple set of rules. However, their accommodation is entirely private. All meals are taken together in the Great Hall and a programme of lectures, musical events and outside visits is arranged by the Brothers' Social Committee and Music Group. There is an active Brothers' Reading Group. The Brothers undertake a number of other roles, including, organist, pianist, clerk of the chapel, photographer, tour guides, editor of The Charterhouse Magazine (a twice yearly in-house publication) and cataloguer of the extensive artwork. One Brother's calligraphy records major events and another Brother produces delightful cartoons on life at Charterhouse. The Brothers meet as a group at least four times a year with the Master and Bursar to discuss current topics.