St Bartholomew the Great image

St Bartholomew the Great

Tourist attraction Event venue Wedding venue Anglican church

One of the Top rated Anglican churches in London


Address

W Smithfield, Barbican, London EC1A 9DS, United Kingdom

Website

www.greatstbarts.com

Contact

+44 20 7600 0440

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (708 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (36) visit (20) worth (11) London (10) history (9) time (8) atmosphere (7) building (7) hidden (6) sculpture (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jules A. 10 months ago on Google • 386 reviews
    Absolutely stunning church it has such a rich history and the smell was incredible. The atmosphere reminded me stepping back in time into a totally different time period. If volunteers dressed up I would be paying for the experience. Not to mention the funky artwork they have here. It's absolutely worth going here. It is a hidden gem and I really enjoyed my visit. I highly recommend here as it has such rich atmosphere. I still can't get over it. I will attach photos of the artwork they have here it's very gnarly. Do enjoy I sure did. Please press like if you enjoyed my review. Thank you
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian B. 5 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    This is London’s oldest church dating from 1123. It was founded by Rahere who is credited as being a monk/ scholar or as the court jester to King Henry 1st of England. It's tiny but majestic at the same time and we'll worth a visit being a short walk from Faringdon tube station. The church has been used as a film location, Robin Hood Prince of Theives, Shakespeare in Love, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Elizabeth the Golden Age. As you enter into the church yard, tge main entrance, you'll see one of Londons only surviving wooden Tudor buildings. This should have been demolished following the Great Fire of London in 1666 but was plastered over and rhus hidden. It remained hidden until the WW2 when a bomb fell close by and the plaster fell off the building to reveal the Tudor structure below. Alas, it is urban myth that Mary the 1st viewed martyrs burnt at the stake from its windows. The building was not erected until after her death. In 2005 to mark the 700th anniversary of the execution of Sir William Wallace (Braveheart), there was a service held in the church to mark the occasion. There is a plaque in the church yard to mark the event. St Bartholomew was skinned alive and in the church there is a sculpture by Damien Hurst. The sculpture is titled Exquisite Pain St Bartholomew was skinned, flayed alive in the 1st century AD in Armenia
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 1 year ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Unlike St Paul's Cathedral, there is no admission charge here but rather a donation is suggested. This is perfect as private donors help with funds allowing for anyone to visit this beautiful building. It's a perfect place for a classical concert, either instrumentalists or a capella ensembles. One of London's hidden gems and definitely worth a visit, if only to admire the very fine Norman arch examples. Top rating
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James F. 3 months ago on Google • 331 reviews New
    900 years old in 2023. Atmospheric church. Interesting Damien Hurst sculpture and an attractive painting of Mary and Jesus. Free entry with optional donation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Becky T. 2 years ago on Google
    London’s oldest parish church, with interesting history through the ages - check out the Oriel window, The lady Chapel (also the location where Benjamin Franklin’s printing press career started). More recently, it’s also been used as a filming location for many big films like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shakespeare in Love, and Elizabeth the Golden Age. It’s free to enter, though donations appreciated. It’s very peaceful inside and worth a 20-30 minute walk through
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David L. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, working, Anglo-Catholic church. Built in the time of King Henry 1. Suffered after the dissolution of 1539, but restored in the mid 1800's. Tucked away - seek it out !
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lady L. 4 months ago on Google • 63 reviews
    Popped in here today, whilst on lunch break. St Barts is a lovely and peacefully atmospheric church, and it was amazing to me to have spent some quiet contemplation in a place of worship that has been standing for over 900 years. It really makes one appreciate all the more all the history that you simply walk past every day without realising. Entry is free, but donations are greatfully received.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Geoffrey B. 1 year ago on Google
    A well hidden gem, you really have to use your Google maps, but well worth a visit, no church in London feels quite as ancient and because it's tucked away you pretty much have the place to yourself. The Damien Hurst statue is a bonus and the signage is just enough to help you get something out of the place besides the feeling of sombre beauty.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erik J. 1 year ago on Google
    Built 1123 in the time of Henry I and restored in the 19th century. Don’t miss the Oriel window and the lady chapel where Benjamin Franklin learned to use the printing press. The church was used for filming Four Weddings and A Funeral, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Shakespeare in Love, Sherlock Holmes (2009), and more.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Han N L. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a very nice visit here. Went in the afternoon of a weekday and was lucky that the choir was in rehearsal. Beautiful music and voices! The church building itself is very historic (survived the London fire) with numerous artworks being displayed. One highlight is the golden statue of St Bart carrying his own skin, representing what was believed to be how he was tortured to death. There is a mini display of things to purchase (books, souvenirs, tour guides, etc) and the attendant was very kind. This is a must visit if you are in London!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John M. P. 2 years ago on Google
    London’s oldest working church about to celebrate its 900th anniversary. So atmospheric and beautiful. Located spitting distance from Smithfield meat market this wonderful church retains many original features from the twelve hundreds and has some really helpful curation along the way. Loved it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mick P. 2 years ago on Google
    A very old church, you certainly step back in time when you enter. Very atmospheric, with its dark walls, and columns. The Damian Hurst sculpture is magnificent, but somewhat disturbing after you read the information. Well worth a visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pau D. 7 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    Absolutely gorgeous! I had the opportunity to attend a wedding, it was just lovely. This church has been set for different movies. Can tell what movies I’m talking about?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Liz E. 3 months ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    A favourite church. Wonderful Norman arches and architecture. Some bits added much later which is a pity.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karl G. 2 months ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Stepping through the door transported me to centuries past. The smell and feel of the church is supremely evocative and I recommend everyone with even a passing interest in Christianity or history to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rodrigo Albuquerque P. 5 months ago on Google • 39 reviews
    Beautiful historical Church with a gloomy atmosphere. The service is quite traditional, with an outstanding choir. The congregation is also impressive, there's a great energy when everyone joins the songs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Quire and Lady Chapel are the only parts remaining of the original monastery but it is still a unique connection with that medieval age. The acoustic is perfect for choral and instrumental music so attending a concert is well recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca 5 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    This church is downstairs of the company, and I often go there to see it at noon. I told my friends that even if I come to church every day, my feelings will be different every time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin M. 7 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    Interesting church, magnificent interior and several historic values. However, in my opinion it provokes some sort of cold and even eerie feeling that I still struggle to describe. It is of course a subjective comment. Worth the visit and it was not very crowded when we went on a Saturday morning.

  • 5/5 William C. 3 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    This church cannot be missed. It is a simply stunning architectural and historic gem.

  • 5/5 Thomas B. 2 years ago on Google
    The oldest church currently in use at London, is well worth a visit. Full of history, going through various periods of construction. Sight of several well known movie scenes

  • 5/5 Catherine M. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing to think this building is near 1000 years old. Wonderful atmosphere, traditional services with bells and incense, lovely choir, refreshments covid permitting in the old cloisters.

  • 5/5 Reda K. 2 years ago on Google
    Magnificent old church, definitely worth to visit.

  • 5/5 Moon 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful church was founded in 1123. We were there on Ester service. Highly recommended

  • 5/5 John M. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the very best City churches. Wonderful Norman architecture.

  • 5/5 pavithra r. 4 months ago on Google
    Experienced a lovely service , Christmas carol and choir last week. Very well organised and authentic local community

  • 5/5 Steven B. 6 months ago on Google
    Superb historical site to visit whilst in London. Great atmosphere, even an organ practice happening and smell of incense during the visit. Must not be missed.

  • 5/5 Vivien Le G. 3 years ago on Google
    Hidden gem! Lots of history in this church, and it’s a very peaceful place (and one of the rare smaller church that remains open to public). Damien Hirst fans will find an exquisite sculpture here.

  • 5/5 Michael P. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely church to visit with friendly helpful staff. Very old with quite a bit of history. Well worth visiting.

  • 5/5 PS 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely worth a visit. A place steeped in history. Very friendly people welcoming you at the entrance

  • 5/5 Birgit E. 2 years ago on Google
    Worth a visit. They also do tours.

  • 3/5 Marco 2 years ago on Google
    This church is a hidden gem. Gorgeous architecture and atmosphere. It will quench your thirst for medieval times. The only downside are the modern looking like "art" objects randomly located here and there which are very much detracting from the otherwise fantastic experience. There is also a hideous Damien Hirst statue which feels totally out of place and is a true eyesore. Very good if you ignore those 2 pain points as it's a truly wonderful place otherwise.

  • 5/5 Mark S. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an amazing building that is well worth a visit. It's the sort of church you'd expect to see in a film and it has been used by many from Four Weddings to Sherlock Holmes. The oldest working church in the City and surrounded by atmospheric streets and great restaurants. It also has a Damian Hirst sculpture of St Bartholomew which is extraordinary. We came to a choral concert here. Brilliant.

  • 5/5 Mark G. 2 years ago on Google
    The history and luminal nature of this place moves me every time I visit

  • 5/5 chris d. 2 years ago on Google
    Very,very God.

  • 5/5 Tim P. 1 year ago on Google
    Rare piece of medieval London. Reformation, fire, ww2 and 1960s planners left this building alone.

  • 5/5 Alex K. 2 years ago on Google
    Almost 900 years old, this church has a unique atmosphere taking you right back into the early middle ages. A really special place that always amazes me.........

  • 5/5 Ruby Leigh U. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing old church you can pop in and wander around. There are lots of points of interest around the church so it was quite interesting to read the signposts of information. It’s also really beautiful! I spent around 20 minutes here and enjoyed my visit a lot. Thank you


Call +44 20 7600 0440 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance

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