The museum has a permanent exhibition of original and facsimile archives and objects, including facsimile copies of the oldest document in the hospital archives, Rahere’s grant of 1137, and the 1546 agreement between Henry VIII and the City of London which refounded the hospital.
Other displays include works of art, and surgical and medical equipment used in the hospital. Two vast and spectacular paintings by William Hogarth are also visible from the museum.
The museum has a permanent exhibition of original and facsimile archives and objects, including facsimile copies of the oldest document in the hospital archives, Rahere’s grant of 1137, and the 1546 agreement between Henry VIII and the City of London which refounded the hospital. Other displays include works of art, and surgical and medical equipment used in the hospital. Two vast and spectacular paintings by William Hogarth are also visible from the museum. Browse all the oil paintings from the hospital’s collections at BBC Your Paintings.
The museum is located in the hospital’s historic North Wing, and overlooks the famous 18th century square designed by James Gibbs.
The hospital was once linked to the Priory of St Bartholomew, and the Norman priory church, now known as St Bartholomew the Great, is situated a few minutes walk from the hospital in West Smithfield. The hospital church of St Bartholomew the Less, which with the priory church is part of the united benefice of Great St Bartholomew, is on the hospital site. Both beautiful churches are open to visitors
