The Gatehouse to the Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield is a survivor of the south aisle and nave of the oldest church in the City. 

One of the many things I love about London is that there are still customs being performed, away from the crowded “tourist” areas of the city which have been on-going for many years. One of these is the Distribution of the Butterworth Charity which takes place every Good Friday in the churchyard of the Priory […]

Sometime around the year 1120 a group of travellers were making their slow journey homeward for England following a pilgrimage to Rome. They may have been on foot, with possibly some help from a donkey. They would have been given safe passage through Italy and France, since pilgrims were normally protected by the powerful Church authorities. Amongst these pilgrims was one man whose name has come down to us as Rahere. Tradition tells us that the young Rahere, a minor cleric at St Pauls, was very keen to impress the nobility with his poetry, acrobatics and singing, working hard to become part of the Royal Circle.

My tale of the Church of St Bartholomew the great. Available in podcast format too, if you become a member ! An Oasis discovered There I was in Smithfield. Frankly it …

The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great, a magnificently gothic-looking church in central London is marking its 900th anniversary this year -- which makes it a good year to pay a visit.

St Bartholomew the Great is a 12th century church in the middle of London, bursting with history. Here are the most fascainting bits...