St Bartholomew the Great

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.

900 years old in 2023. Atmospheric church. Interesting Damien Hurst sculpture and an attractive painting of Mary and Jesus. Free entry with optional donation.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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.
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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.

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.

This church cannot be missed. It is a simply stunning architectural and historic gem.

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.

Experienced a lovely service , Christmas carol and choir last week. Very well organised and authentic local community

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!

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.

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

The energy that flowed through me in St Bartholomew the Great is indescribable. I felt at peace and safe within the walls of St Bartholomew’s. I went to the Sunday morning Holy Eucharist at 9am and it was small, serene, simplistic and honourable. I plan to go to more services there to pray, honour and connect 🙏🕊💗.

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!

just in the heart of the City of London you come across this beautiful piece of historic heritage. 800+ year old, this church survived the Reformation, Great Fire of London and now is still an active parish church where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere today.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit one of the oldest surviving building in London that contains pieces of Norman, Tudor and later architecture styles.

Interesting fact - William Wallace was executed just near the church

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.