Saint Bartholomew the Great

St Bartholomew the Great is London’s oldest parish church, with a beautiful liturgy, a professional choir, and a vibrant congregation drawn from across London.

At the heart of the Smithfield area, this church was built when Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, was King of England. A remarkable survival, it has been through the Reformation, the Great Fire of London and the bombs dropped in Zeppelin raids in World War I and during the Blitz in World War II. It has an atmosphere all its own.

St Bartholomew the Great was founded in 1123 by Rahere, a prebendary of the Augustinian Order on the back of a vow so to do while on pilgrimage in Italy. We join this distinguished institution in celebrating its 900th Anniversary.

Our tour is led by Gordon Furry, Head Verger and Doorkeeper of the church, also known unofficially as its 'tour maestro'.

Although our tour will last around an hour, we'll be welcome to stay and explore for longer.

London Historians Members only. .

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

St Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield, London, United Kingdom

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