St Bartholomew-the-Great Church

Address: West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS, UK

Website: https://www.greatstbarts.com

Hours: Open daily; visiting times may be restricted by services

Admission: Free (donations welcome)

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.

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.

• 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.