Comments on: At St Bartholomew The Great

By: Ian. Silverton

Ian. Silverton — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:44:57 +0000

My First School was there in 1950s run by Mrs Phillis Walbank MBE, her husband Dr N Walkbank, then allowed her access to the church cloisters, as the numbers grew. In summer we slept or rested on the grave stones at the entrance on the left hand side as you enter. Sir John Beterman was a frequent visitor from his home in Clouth Fare opposite. Many times we as children where featured in daily papers, and fimed by the BBC with Richard Dimbebly. Last visited I made was to the Funeral of Great Train Robber Bruce Reynolds esq.Be Well GA.

By: Lorelei Hunt

Lorelei Hunt — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:28:30 +0000

Pervasive gloom and deliciously inky shadows……as if these were not sufficiently enticing reasons to visit, there is the astonishing sight of Damien Hurst’s gilded, gruesome statue of St Bartholemew standing inside. I wandered in by chance, and would have liked more time, but it was closing time. I left quite overwhelmed. It’s great to read more here and I’m looking forward to another visit with more time to look out for the historical features decribed here.

By: bomber jackets

bomber jackets — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:46:06 +0000

What a wonderful piece. St Bartholomew the Great has always struck me as one of those rare places where history feels alive the moment you step inside. The atmosphere is almost overwhelming, as if the centuries themselves are pressing in around you. I never knew about Rahere’s story and the fever-dream that inspired the priory, it adds a whole new depth to the building’s character. Definitely makes me want to revisit with fresh eyes.

By: Peter Holford

Peter Holford — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:14:01 +0000

I was late in visiting this magnificent place – just two years ago. It is certainly unique in London and will be on my list to visit again when I’m next in London. You do justice to the Romanesque architecture, different but equally grand to the soaring Gothic of so many of our cathedrals and major churches. There are a number of other places to admire the Normans’ handiwork; my favourites are Selby Abbey and Beverley Minster especially as they have family connections (marriages, baptisms and funerals).

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:49:35 +0000

The photos of the rear close (passageway?) totally got to me. I was under their spell for quite
some time; examining all the wobbly features, scaly surfaces, curious/leaning outer walls, and mysterious mismatched windows. The divine imperfection of these scenes (rightfully filed under the “Relics of Old London” is remarkable. Locations absolutely drenched in narratives and tall
tales. Captivating! (What do you suppose all this looked like at night?)

Thank you, GA, for shining a light.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:09:04 +0000

I found St.B’s an amazing place. My cousin’s funeral service was held there a few years ago (he was a former Dean of Ripon Cathedral in N.Yorkshire). Family fitted onto two rows of chairs, while the rest of the ‘congregation’ were Clergy from all around the country, incl rep. for the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was an impressive occasion, and eldest brother, who isn’t religious at all, whispered in my ear that he wanted his funeral to be like this! I had to suppress my giggles. Refreshments for us all afterwards were down in the Crypt. Late Cousin was a couple of months younger than me, so counting my blessings that I’m still here!!!