Occupying extensive lands south of Hospital Street and west of King Street, the Carthusian Priory in Perth was the only one in Scotland, was founded in 1429 by James I (1406–1437). The foundation of a Carthusian or Charterhouse Monastery is recorded on the obelisk in the rounds, on the corner of King Street and Hospital Street. Further details are on the information board ‘The Vale of Virtue’ on Hospital Street, panel 10 of the PKHT Medieval Trail.
The Carthusian Order is an enclosed order of both monks and nuns. The Carthusians are the most ascetic and austere of all the European monastic orders being regarded as the pinnacle of religious devotion to which monks from other orders were attracted when they felt in need for greater spiritual challenges.
The name Carthusian is derived from the Chartreuse Mountains in the French Alps. The name was adapted to the English “Charterhouse”. Charterhouse Lane is nearby.
It is said James I was buried within the grounds of the monastery following his murder at Blackfriars.
Also buried in the monastery grounds are Joan Beaufort Queen of James I and Margaret Tutor, sister of Henry VIII and Queen of James IV.
In 1750 the King James VI Hospital was built on the site. A full history of the site is on the PSNS web site: History of King James VI Hospital on the site of the earlier Carthusian Monastery (psns.org.uk)
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