Hotels near St Bartholomew's Hospital Museum and Archives

The museum in the North Wing of St Bartholomew's Hospital tells the inspiring story of Bart's Hospital. Founded nearly four centuries ago, in 1123, it is one of the oldest hospitals in the city. One of the most important treasures of the hospital is the agreement between Henry VIII and the City of London which refounded the hospital in the 16th century. Henry's signature can be seen in the top left-hand corner of the document alongside his royal seal. The only medieval building now remaining at St Bartholomew's is the tower of the Church of St Bartholomew the Less. All the hospital buildings were rebuilt between 1729 and 1770 to designs by James Gibbs - the Grade I listed North Wing, (including the Great Hall), East and West Wings are all his. The staircase leading to the Great Hall is decorated with two huge paintings by the artist William Hogarth, visible from the museum, depicting the Good Samaritan and Christ at the Pool of Bethesda.