It was founded after the brutal murder of Saint Thomas Becket in 1170, possibly as early as 1176, when Canterbury Cathedral became a site of pilgrimage; the hospital provided accommodation for poor pilgrims.

The roof of the Pilgrims’ Chapel is a fine example of its kind: the style of woodwork and joinery indicate that it was built around 1285, all beams are authentic except the first two panels which collapsed and were replaced.

Approval for the funding of a Chantry Chapel was sanctioned by Archbishop Sudbury in 1375; the original document confirming this endowment is housed in the Canterbury Cathedral archives.

In the fourteenth century the hospital was reformed by Archbishop John de Stratford, during the reign of Edward III; he created ordinances, as well as a code of regulations to be acted on concerning pilgrims.

In 1569 Archbishop Matthew Parker issued new ordinances governing the Hospital and its Master which specified the maintenance of twelve beds for the 'wayfaring poor' and established a school in the chapel for twenty boys.

It was formally opened to the public by the Bishop of Dover on 23 March 2019, and named after Archbishop William Juxon, who was a generous benefactor during his tenure, and donated money in 1660 to repair the Brother's Lodgings.

Eastbridge is still a functional almshouse to this day, providing accommodation for elderly citizens of Canterbury and Ukrainian refugees in areas of the buildings inaccessible to the public.

Eastbridge is administered by Trustees whose main aims are the maintenance of the ancient buildings, which are of national historic interest, and the welfare of the almshouse residents (Indwellers).