St. Bartholomew’s Hospital: A Nine-Century Legacy of Care and Innovation

St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, located in Smithfield, London, stands as one of the oldest hospitals in the world, with a rich history that spans nearly nine centuries. Founded in 1123 by Rahere, an Augustinian monk and former courtier of Henry I, the hospital was established alongside the Priory of St. Bartholomew. The Augustinian canons performed daily liturgies and commemorated the founders with prayers, while resident nurses and secular chaplains tended to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor, infirm, and unmarried pregnant women. The hospital also served as a sanctuary for orphans and operated a grammar school.

In 1546, Henry VII granted the hospital to the City of London, ensuring its continuation by endowing it with property for income just before his death in 1547. This endowment marked the beginning of a new era for the hospital. Thomas Vicary, the first superintendent, was a significant figure in early medical literature, notably for his work on anatomy. The hospital's reputation for medical excellence was further cemented with the appointment of its first physician in 1562. In the early 17th century, William Harvey, who discovered the circulation of blood, oversaw patient care at the hospital, which then had a capacity of 200 beds and a small medical staff, including three surgeons, an apothecary, and several Augustinian nuns.

The hospital continued to evolve, and with the creation of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948, it officially became known as St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Today, it remains a vital part of the NHS, providing cutting-edge medical care while retaining its historical significance. The hospital's long history reflects its enduring commitment to healthcare and its ability to adapt and thrive through centuries of change, from medieval times to the modern era.
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital: A Nine-Century Legacy of Care and Innovation