Saint Bartholomew's and the Royal London Hospitals welcome tourists as well as researchers to their museums and archives. They make an unusual, informative visit for the whole family. The Museums are part of London's Museums of Health and Medicine, a group of 22 museums formed in 1991.
Saint Bartholomew's Museum and Norman Church Architecture
Bart's, as it's affectionately known to Londoners, was founded in 1123, making it one of the world's oldest hospitals. Originally staffed by monks, it survived the dissolution of the monasteries, the English Civil War and Nazi attacks on London.
Founder Rahere, a courtier to Henry I, fell ill in Rome on pilgrimage. A vision of Saint Bartholomew commanded him to found a hospital. His ornate tomb can be seen in the adjoining church of Saint Bartholomew-The-Great, the finest surviving Norman interior in London. The archives hold his original grant of foundation.
The Museum is in the historic North Wing, overlooking the square designed by James Gibbs and two huge paintings by William Hogarth. It uses audio-visuals and models to reveal the history of doctors, nurses and patients over 900 years. Exhibits include surgical implements, drawings, nursing equipment and uniforms. An archive of original and facsimile documents and artifacts dates back to the 12th century.
Admission is free. The Archives may be used for research by appointment, telephone +44 (0) 20 7601 8152. Guided tours of Barts and the surrounding historic area are available every Friday at 2 pm for a charge. The Museum has a very informative website.
Royal London, Britain's Largest Voluntary Hospital
The Royal London has archives dating from its foundation in 1740, open to researchers by appointment, telephone +44 (0) 20 7377 7608. The Museum is in the restored 19th-century Church crypt. It tells the story of remarkable staff and patients like Nurse Edith Cavell, shot by the Germans during World War I, and Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, who died in the Hospital in 1890.
The Museum covers medical history of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Among its exhibits is a denture made for George Washington, later President of the United States. A new section on forensic medicine, sponsored by crime writer Patricia Cornwell, includes material on Jack the Ripper, and renowned British murderers including Dr. Crippen. There is a video room with films about the Hospital. The website has further details and pictures.
Visiting the Museums
Bart's Museum is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The Royal London Museum is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. closed Christmas, New Year, Easter and public holidays. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Barts needs notice for wheelchair access, and has an induction loop system for those with hearing loss.
Both Museums are staffed by volunteers so opening hours may be subject to change at short notice. Check before your visit by calling Bart's +44 (0) 20 7601 8152/8150, or the London +44 (0) 20 7377 7608.
Travelling to the Museums
Bart's is at West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE. Barbican, Blackfriars, Farringdon and Saint Paul's Underground stations are less than 10 minutes' walk away. Nearby overground rail stations include Blackfriars and Cannon Street.
The Royal London is in Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BB, opposite Whitechapel Underground station. Liverpool Street is the nearest overground rail station.
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