Located in the Smithfield area of London, is St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse. This is an impressive, and pretty rare, example of Tudor architecture that remains in the city. The gatehouse leads to St, Bartholomew the Great, a church that was founded in 1123. The church can still be visited today and, along with the gatehouse, provides a fascinating look into London’s past.
St Bartholomew the Great Church
With 900 years of history, St Bartholomew the Great is one of the oldest churches in the City of London. The church was founded in the 12th century as an Augustinian priory by a courtier of King Henry I named Rahere. He became ill on a pilgrimage in Rome and vowed that if he were to survive, he would establish a hospital for the poor back in London. It’s said that Saint Bartholomew appeared to him and asked him to set up a church in his name in Smithfield. Rahere kept to his word and he set up both a church and hospital upon his return.
The church went through a number of changes throughout the centuries, the most significant being the destruction of the nave in 1539. This was a result of the Dissolution of the Monasteries (ordered by Henry VIII in the 16th century). It became a Parish Church again under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and began to be restored in the 19th century.
St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse
Today, the church is well-known for its surviving Tudor gatehouse, which is believed to have been built around the year 1595. The gatehouse is said to be built on top of an original 13th century entrance to the nave and consists of two main floors and a smaller attic on top. This timber-framed building is one of the rare ones within the city that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Eventually, a Georgian facade was built over the building and it operated for a number of years as a shop. However, as a result of the damage from a bomb during a German Zeppelin raid in World War I, the original Tudor building was rediscovered. It has since been restored and is now a fascinating fixture in the Smithfield area of London.
Visiting St Bartholomew’s Today
Today, visitors to Smithfield can explore both the church of St Bartholomew the Great as well as the gatehouse. Visitors are able to walk through the arch of the gatehouse and make their way into the church. The church is free to visit (although I always suggest leaving a donation) and I would also suggest checking their website to see if they are running guided tours.
Key Information for Visiting St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse
1. Where is St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse and church located?
St Bartholomew the Great church as well as St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse are located in the Smithfield area of London (near the historic area of the City of London).
2. What is the best way to get there?
The easiest way to get there is to take the tube to either Farringdon or Barbican station, from which it’s a couple of minutes’ walk. If you are exploring the City of London, you can also walk north towards Smithfield. St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse is about an 8 minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral.
3. Does it cost anything to visit St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse and church?
There is no cost to visit, however I always recommend leaving a donation as this helps with the upkeep of historic sites.
4. When is it open?
Monday to Saturday, the church is open from 10:00 0 17:00. On Sunday, it is open to visitors from 13:00-17:00, although there are services earlier. You can also walk by the outside of the gatehouse at any time.
I would suggest checking the website for updated opening hours HERE before you visit.
5. What other historical things are there to see nearby St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse?
Smithfield is a historic area in London and nearby historical sites include Smithfield Market and The Elms (the execution site of historic figures such as William Wallace). You’re also a short walk into the City of London where there are endless historical sites to explore, including St Paul’s Cathedral.