The Priory Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great
This magnificent Priory Church which is located in West Smithfield, City of London
was founded in AD 1123. as part of a monastery of Augustinian Canons. When the Priory was dissolved in 1539, the nave of the Church was demolished. The monastic buildings were still very much intact and the Canons' choir and sanctuary were preserved for use of the Parish. During the reign of Queen Mary, there was briefly a house of Dominican friars here but it reverted to being a Parish Church under Queen Elizabeth I. Through the centuries, various parts of the building were damaged or destroyed until the restoration began in the 19th century, first during the 1860s and then, under Sir Aston Webb, in the 1880s and 90s and on into the 20th century. St Bartholomew the Great is very much a living church but it naturally attracts those of no particular religious belief because of its architecture and enormous sense of history.
Prior Rahere
Rahere was a courtier and favourite of King Henry I. It is believed that it was after the death of the king’s wife Matilda, followed two years later by the trajic drowning of their heir Prince William, his brother, half-brother and sister, that prompted Rahere to devote himself to a more worthy life and make his pilgrimage to Rome. During his time in Rome, like many pilgrims, Rahere fell ill. As he lay delirious, he prayed for his life vowing that, if he survived, he would set up a hospital for the poor and needy in London. His prayers were answered and he soon recovered. On his journey home, the vision of Saint Bartholomew appeared to him and said “I am Bartholomew who have come to help thee in thy straights. I have chosen a spot in a suburb of London at Smithfield where, in my name, thou shalt found a church." To keep his word, Rahere set up both a church, a priory of Augustinian canons, and the hospital and he did live to see their completion serving as both prior of the priory and master of the hospital – and it is possible that he was nursed at Barts before his death in 1145. His tomb lies in the church.
(Photograph courtesy of Londoner19's Orbs Photostream)