St Bartholomew-the-Great, Priory church in Smithfield, City of London, England.
St Bartholomew-the-Great is a medieval place of worship built from brick in the Smithfield neighborhood, ranking among the oldest church buildings in London. Round stone pillars support the vaulted ceiling, while a tower from the twelfth century rises above the choir.
Rahere, a courtier of Henry I, founded a priory here in 1123 that later became a parish church. The building survived the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII and the great fire of 1666.
The building carries the name of the apostle Bartholomew, to whom it has been dedicated since medieval times. Anglican services take place here regularly, often accompanied by choral music that fills the tall interior space.
The entrance sits hidden behind an archway off West Smithfield Road, not directly on the main street. Some parts of the interior remain closed to visitors during services, so arriving on weekdays is often easier.
The Lady Chapel served as a printing house in the eighteenth century, where Benjamin Franklin worked as a journeyman before returning to America. The seal of the original medieval priory can still be seen in the tower above the choir.
Location: City of London
Inception: 12 century
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture, Norman architecture
Made from material: brick
Email: dministrator@greatstbarts.com
Website: http://greatstbarts.com
GPS coordinates: 51.51887,-0.09966
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24
London offers far more than Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Away from the main attractions, numerous sites remain unfamiliar even to many locals. This selection includes the ruins of St Dunstan-in-the-East, where a medieval church has been transformed into a public garden, the Sir John Soane's...
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
225 m
St Bartholomew-the-Less, City of London
126 m
Club Gascon
49 m
The Hope
201 m
Hand and Shears
79 m
Memorial to Sir William Wallace and Martyrs Memorial, St Bartholomew's Hospital
91 m
Peace Drinking Fountain
113 m
Fountain
160 m
39 And 40, Cloth Fair Ec1
28 m
East Building Of Central Market
106 m
K2 Telephone Kiosk, At Junction With West Smithfield
153 m
Smithfield Market War Memorial
181 m
K2 Telephone Kiosk In Central Market K2 Telephone Kiosk In Central Markets
102 m
Founders' Hall including 39-40 Bartholomew Close
61 m
St Bartholomew-the-Great Calvary
17 m
The Gatehouse, St Bartholomew's Hospital
139 m
41-42 Cloth Fair
30 m
Pair Of K2 Telephone Kiosks In Central Markets
113 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk In Central Markets
126 m
K6 Telephone Kiosks In Central Markets
143 m
4, 4A And 5, Middle Street Ec1
95 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk In Central Markets
151 m
Gatehouse To Church Of St Bartholomew The Great
55 m
Ramp
128 m
Double Cattle Trough
141 m
74 And 75, Long Lane Ec1
87 m
Medical School St Bartholomew's Hospital
199 m
89, Charterhouse Street
181 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes