Parish of St Bartholomew the Great, City of London , Church of England

Parish of St Bartholomew the Great, City of London , Church of England

The church of Saint Bartholomew the Great, situated in West Smithfield, is London's oldest church. It is the only surviving part of the Augustinian priory founded in 1123. The church was enlarged mid-12th century and 1230-1240. Parts were rebuilt 1336 and 1405-1406. In 1539 the priory was dissolved and the nave of the church was pulled down. The choir was left intact for the use of parishioners. The other monastic buildings were sold to Sir Richard Rich and leased out for various uses. In 1628 the central tower was removed and a new one built at the west end. Painter William Hogarth was christened here in 1697. The church was restored in 1863-1885, and in 1932 the choir screen was erected. The church has appeared as a set in a number of films and television shows, including Four Weddings and a Funeral. The parish of Saint Botolph Aldersgate (P69/BOT1) was united with that of Saint Bartholomew the Great in 1954.

Some information from The London Encyclopaedia, eds. Weinreb and Hibbert (LMA Library Reference 67.2 WEI).