London’s immense history is presented in a plethora of ways. Some historic buildings and sites have transformed into tourist attractions – a la the Tower of London – while some have been preserved and received listed status. Other spots have sadly fallen into disrepair, and others still have been renovated beyond any recognition and preserved only by historic facades. Then there are those, like St Bartholomew’s Hospital, which have centuries of history to their names and still continue to carry out their original function and duties. And St Bartholomew’s Hospital is now inviting the public in to explore its history in the stunning Barts North Wing.
Following a £9.5 million restoration project to bring the Grade I listed building back to life, the Barts North Wing has opened to the public to explore. The stunning spot – which is FREE to visit, by the way – can be accessed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and the first Sunday of the month from 10am to 4pm. It also operates as an events venue throughout the week.
Of course, we had to go and have a look for ourselves!
The opening means that Londoners can now visit some of the most famed interiors in the city for the first time. The building was completed back in 1732, and is the oldest surviving part of the hospital. Inside, you’ll find the majestic Great Hall, as designed by James Gibbs, as well as the Hogarth Stairs. The latter features two enormous paintings by William Hogarth, which celebrate “the long and charitable history of the hospital.”
Events at Barts North Wing
Within and around public access hours, Barts North Wing is running a number of special events for visitors to enjoy. There are guided tours of the Barts North Wing, where visitors can “explore the building and hospital’s rich history, architecture and people involved in its craftsmanship.”
Inside the Grade I-listed Great Hall, visitors can also experience the magic of a Candlelight concert. Illuminated by thousands of twinkling candles, these classical concerts reimagine music by the likes of ABBA, Queen and Adele on strings. The warm glow of candlelight shimmers along the gilded 18th-century ceiling and donor-inscribed walls, all while you sit back and unwind to classical music.
Credit: Matthew AndrewsOther events range across the likes of talks exploring the intertwined stories of migration, Windrush, and the NHS, as well as a pronoun badge workshop. Alternatively, you could join in at the Big Draw Festival, or participate in a letter writing workshop with cancer support charity, From Me to You.
St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Despite dating back to 1123, when it was founded by Rahere, a courtier of King Henry I, St Bartholomew’s Hospital has operated on the same site in the City of London for over 900 years. It’s survived monarchs, wars, plagues, and even attempts to close it, having outlasted the Black Death, the Great Fire of London, the Blitz, and more. It continues to treat patients, and is now a “centre of excellence for heart and cancer care.”
Although most of the 12th-century priory and hospital no longer survive, visitors can still see the medieval church of St. Bartholomew the Great, which once formed part of the priory. Barts North Wing is the oldest surviving portion of the hospital, making for a truly jaw-dropping spot to visit.
Psst… It’s also purportedly haunted – so keep an eye and an ear out for unexplained phenomena…
St Bartholomew’s Hospital’s North Wing is open to visitors for free every Monday and Tuesday, and on the first Sunday of every month.
Find out what events are taking place at Barts North Wing here.
📍 You’ll find Barts North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE. The nearest stations are St Paul’s, Barbican, and Farringdon.
