The incredible church in London that will take you back in time and history!

We are talking about the church of St Bartholomew the Great, which was founded by Rahere in 1123, a courtier and favourite of King Henry I.

St Bartholomew the Great London — © Wonders of London

Today we take you to one of the few remaining Norman churches in London, a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral.

St. Bartholomew the Great was founded by Rahere in 1123, a courtier and favourite of King Henry I.

Rahere, perhaps prompted by the death of the king’s wife, Matilda, followed two years later by that of their heir, Prince William, is thought to have renounced his profession and he set out on a pilgrimage to Rome.

In Rome, he fell ill and as he lay delirious he begged for his life vowing that, if he survived, he would set up a hospital for the poor in London.

His prayers were answered and Rahere recovered. On the journey home, a vision of St Bartholomew appeared to him, telling him that he had chosen a place for him in a London suburb of Smithfield where, in his name, he should establish a church.

Faithful to the vision received, Rahere established both a church, a priory of Augustinian canons, and the hospital. Rahere died in 1145 and his tomb is inside the church.