St Bartholomew-the-Great
Church One of London's oldest parish churches with Norman origins
Norman-era church in London’s Smithfield, founded in 1123. Tourists visit for medieval architecture, the Romanesque nave and cloister, and nearby food markets and historic City lanes.
St Bartholomew-the-Great is a medieval parish church in the Smithfield area of the City of London, founded in 1123 and notable as one of the capital’s oldest surviving churches.
The church is visited for its Norman and later medieval architecture, surviving monastic cloister and historic fabric that contrast with surrounding Victorian and modern development. The compact interior and cloister are often pointed out as key features.
Originally established as the priory church of an Augustinian foundation, it continued in use after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and later served as a parish church. The building has undergone restoration work at various times while retaining substantial 12th- and later-century fabric.
It sits in central London in the Smithfield area, immediately west of the Barbican and within walking distance of Farringdon and the City core.
- Founding: Founded in 1123 as part of an Augustinian priory by the courtier Rahere; the church survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries and continued as a parish church.
- Location: Located in Smithfield within the City of London, adjacent to the historic Smithfield Market and close to St Bartholomew's Hospital.
What to See #
- Cloister: Surviving medieval cloister attached to the church; one of the few monastic cloisters in London that remain largely intact.
- Norman nave and tower: Parts of the building date to the 12th century and show Norman architectural features in the nave and tower.
How to Get to St Bartholomew-the-Great #
St Bartholomew-the-Great is in the Smithfield area of the City of London near St Bartholomew’s Hospital. The church is a short 5-10 minute walk from Barbican station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) and a similar walk from St Paul’s (Central) or Farringdon stations.
The site is in central London and easily reached on foot from nearby stations or by numerous local buses that serve the City.
Tips for Visiting St Bartholomew-the-Great #
- Enter from Cloth Fair / Smithfield for the most direct access and to situate yourself near the church's medieval cloister and Norman-era features.
- Visit outside major Sunday services or civic events to appreciate the interior and cloister without interruption - the church is a small space and fills quickly.
- Many visitors miss the cloister and historic details used in film and TV productions; allow a few extra minutes to explore these quieter areas and read the on-site historical panels.
Best Time to Visit St Bartholomew-the-Great #
Best on weekday mornings or early afternoons outside service times to avoid crowds in this historic London church.
Weather & Climate near St Bartholomew-the-Great #
St Bartholomew-the-Great's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (648 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
