St Bartholomew-the-Great

St Bartholomew-the-Great is a medieval priory church in Smithfield, in the City of London, and one of the oldest and most atmospheric churches in the capital. It belongs to the Church of England's Diocese of London and still serves as a living place of worship.

What is St Bartholomew-the-Great?

The church was founded in 1123 as part of an Augustinian priory. Its founder was Rahere, a canon of St Paul's Cathedral who is remembered as the first prior. Next to the church he also set up a hospital for the poor. That hospital, St Bartholomew's, still stands beside the church today, and the two share the same foundation and the same patron saint.

Why is it worth seeing?

The church is valued mainly for its Norman fabric. The choir, built in the first half of the twelfth century, is among the most substantial pieces of 12th-century architecture in London. Heavy round arches and thick stone piers give the interior a solemn, weighty character that is very different from the lighter Gothic churches found elsewhere in the city. The plain walls look austere today, but in the Middle Ages they would have been richly decorated.

What you see is only part of the original complex. The priory was dissolved under Henry VIII, and most of its buildings were sold off. The choir and transepts of the church were handed over to the parishioners, and this is the core of the building that survives. For anyone interested in the history of London, it is a rare chance to stand inside a space that has been used for worship for centuries.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The church lies in Smithfield, on the north-west edge of the City of London, a short walk from St Paul's Cathedral and from the Barbican area. The neighbouring hospital makes the spot easy to recognise. Smithfield is a historic district with a long past as a market and meeting place, so the church fits well into a walking tour of the old City.

Frequently asked questions

When was St Bartholomew-the-Great founded? In 1123, as an Augustinian priory.

Who founded it? Rahere, a canon of St Paul's who became the first prior.

Is it still a working church? Yes. It is a parish church of the Diocese of London.

Is it connected to the hospital next door? Yes. St Bartholomew's Hospital was founded together with the priory, and the two stand side by side.

Where can I check visiting information? Opening times and events change, so check the church's official website before your visit.