(St.) Bartholomew's Hospital

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

On the south side of West Smithfield (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Without.


Founded by Rahere as a cell to the Priory (q.v.) and subject to its jurisdiction (S. 376 and Ch. I. pm. 13 Ed. I. and 22 Ed. I. (121)). "Hospit' St. Barthi de Smythefeld," (22 Ed. I. Ch. I. p.m.).

Foundation confirmed by Edward III. to be governed by a Master, 8 brothers and 4 sisters under the Priory (S. 376).

Repaired by the Executors of Richard Whittington, 1423.

After the Dissolution, it was refounded 1544-47, and its revenues restored, the jurisdiction of the Mayor and Corporation being substituted for that of the Priory, by grant of the King (L. and P. H. VIII. XIX. (1), p. 501 and XXI. (2), p. 414).

It has been frequently repaired and enlarged during the 18th and 19th centuries, and within recent years, and is one of the wealthiest of the London hospitals.

The church within the site of the hospital was given to be a parish church called the church of St. Bartholomew the Little for all inhabitants within the site and close of the Hospital, 1547 (L. and P. H. VIII. XIX. (1), p. 501).

See St. Bartholomew the Less.

The recent extensions have involved the removal of the small courts and alleys on the east side of Giltspur Street, including Bull Court, or Ball Court, Bartholomew Court, etc.

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