St Bartholomew the Great

Breathtakingly beautiful medieval Church with a wealth of history spanning over 900 years. The Norman architecture is exquisite, and considering the Church survived both The Great Fire of London and The Blitz (I love the story about the Reverend Newell Wallbank kicking incendiary bombs off the roof) I think it’s a miracle this remarkable piece of history is still standing. Although the church is quite large, it also feels very intimate. I found it very peaceful and was able to enjoy the tranquility, even with a fair amount of visitors. There was also an art exhibition going on within the church, and a lovely lady who was very informative about the pieces. Highly recommended for history buffs, film fans, and those who want to visit for religious reasons, reflection, or to remember loved ones.

Absolutely stunning. Wonderful atmosphere & historical workmanship. Used for many films and TV series. What a joy to find a church that has not been over restored & looks and feels its age. Interesting art works around the church Damien Hurst 24c sculpture of the flaying of St Bartholomew. A must to visit if you're in the area

The oldest chapel in the city -it’s beautiful inside with various art pieces hanging from the rafters. Well worth a detour to see.

St Bartholomew the Great, located in Smithfield, London, is one of the city's oldest and most historically significant churches. Founded in 1123 by Rahere, a courtier and jester of King Henry I, it has a rich history intertwined with religion, architecture, and folklore. Below is a detailed summary: ## **Historical Background** - **Foundation**: Rahere founded the church after a near-death experience during a pilgrimage to Rome, where he had a vision of St. Bartholomew instructing him to build a church and hospital for the poor. Upon his return to London, King Henry I granted him land in Smithfield to fulfill this vision[2][4][7]. - **Architectural Evolution**: The church began in the Norman Romanesque style but transitioned to Gothic during construction, reflecting changing architectural trends. This mix of styles is visible in its Romanesque columns alongside Gothic pointed arches[1][3]. - **Dissolution of the Monasteries**: Much of the priory was destroyed under Henry VIII in 1539, leaving only parts of the original structure intact. The remaining sections became a parish church[2][9]. ## **Notable Features** - **Rahere’s Tomb**: The founder's tomb, dating from 1405, remains a focal point. It is said that Rahere’s ghost haunts the church after his bones were disturbed during restoration[9][12]. - **Gatehouse**: The Tudor-style gatehouse (built in 1595 atop a 13th-century archway) was rediscovered after damage from a World War I Zeppelin bomb revealed its historic facade[1][18]. - **Damien Hirst Statue**: A modern addition is the gold statue *Exquisite Pain* by Damien Hirst, depicting St. Bartholomew holding his flayed skin—a nod to the saint's martyrdom[6][14]. ## **Hidden Stories and Famous Connections** - **Miracles and Folklore**: The church was reputed for miraculous healings attributed to St. Bartholomew's intercession. Pilgrims visited especially on St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24), seeking cures for ailments[5][9]. - **Historical Events**: The area around the church witnessed significant events like William Wallace’s execution and heretic burnings during the Reformation[4][10]. - **Famous Figures**: - William Hogarth was baptized here. - Benjamin Franklin worked as an apprentice printer in its former Lady Chapel. - John Wesley preached at St. Bartholomew’s when other London churches were closed to him[11][13]. ## **Cultural Significance** - The church has appeared in films such as *Four Weddings and a Funeral* and *Shakespeare in Love*, showcasing its atmospheric medieval interior[6][14]. - It survived major disasters like the Great Fire of London (1666) and World War II bombings due to its robust medieval walls[10][13]. St Bartholomew the Great remains an iconic site for its blend of history, architecture, and legend—a must-see for those exploring London's deep historical roots. Citations: [1] 9 Secrets Of St Bartholomew The Great Church https://livinglondonhistory.com/9-secrets-of-st-bartholomew-the-great-church/ [2] Smithfield St Bartholomew the Great - National Churches Trust https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-bartholomew-great-smithfield [3] A Visit to St Bartholomew the Great - The Courtauldian https://www.courtauldian.com/single-post/a-visit-to-st-bartholomew-the-great [4] The Fool's Church: Rahere and the Church of St Bartholomew https://folklorethursday.com/regional-folklore/fools-church-rahere-church-st-bartholomew/ [5] St Bartholomew-the-Great - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Bartholomew-the-Great [6] Inside St Bartholomew the Great, Smithfield - the lost byway https://thelostbyway.com/2024/08/inside-st-bartholomew-the-great-smithfield.html [7] St Bartholomew the Great and Barts by Miranda Miller http://the-history-girls.blogspot.com/2018/03/st-bartholomew-great-and-barts-by.html [8] Great St Barts https://www.greatstbarts.com [9] 7 Bits of Sneaky History in St Bartholomew the Great https://lookup.london/st-bartholomew-the-great-history/ [10] History of St Barts - London - St Bartholomew the Great

What a find. Hidden in the back, through the gates. Restoration work is probably finished now so it will look grand. Ignore the first look of the exterior and enter a different world and time. Great history told clearly.

Every time I visit this church, I'm captivated by its medieval architecture and the sense of history that fills the air. The church’s beautifully preserved Norman features and intricate details make it one of the most impressive historic buildings in the city. I also appreciate the peaceful atmosphere inside, which offers a quiet escape from the bustling streets outside. It's not just a place of worship but also a fascinating site for history enthusiasts, with its connection to London's past spanning nearly 900 years. It’s a must-visit for anyone in the area, and I always leave feeling a deep sense of awe and tranquillity.

My History of London group had a guided tour of this amazing old church (ex Monastery, ex Friary). Yesterday. Our guide was the verger Gordon Furry who was really excellent and in the hour tour brought the history of the building to life. The cast of historical characters included Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and that arch villain Richard Rich. Add a visitation from the Virgin Mary and the founder being visited in a dream by Saint Bartholomew and you have the ingredients for an enthralling visit. The architecture of the building merits a visit in Its own right. My group has been meeting for over 15 years and visited virtually every major building and museum in London (over 200 trips). I think this was the best guided tour of a religious building I have ever had. They need visitors and donations. So go

Wow. Unexpected and awe inspiring old church. There is something about this church. It feels Elizabethan and Tudor. One of the Elizabeth movies was filmed here. Worth a visit if you are in the area or to see one of their periodic events. Make sure to check out the old graveyard outside.