St. Bartholomew-the-Great Church

St. Bartholomew-the-Great Church

St. Bartholomew-the-Great Church is an Anglican church located in the Smithfield district of the City of London. It is one of the oldest churches in Britain. Originally built as an Augustinian priory in 1123, historical records indicate that it served as a place of worship for at least until 1143.

The church was founded in 1123 by Rahere, a canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral who later became an Augustinian monk. Legend has it that he built the church out of gratitude after miraculously recovering from a fever. Since then, the church has been known for its healing powers, and on August 24th, the feast day of St. Bartholomew, the aisles are filled with the sick seeking cures.

Today, St. Bartholomew-the-Great is renowned across Britain for its stunning architecture, featuring the most impressive Norman interior in London. Yet it remains an active place of traditional worship, drawing both locals and visitors with its beautiful music and thoughtful sermons. The church has also been featured in several award-winning films, including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, Love Actually, Amazing Grace, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and The Other Boleyn Girl, as well as numerous British TV shows.

St Bartholomew-the-Great

Must-visit reason: A church with one of London’s most striking Norman interiors

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: Britain[Britain]

Province/State: Greater London [Greater London]

City: London [London]