St Bartholomew's Gatehouse: A Tudor Architectural Gem in London
Discover the rare Tudor timber-framed gatehouse of St Bartholomew's, a timeless architectural treasure guarding one of London's oldest churches.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, located at 57A West Smithfield in London, is a rare surviving example of Tudor architecture dating from 1595. Built atop a 13th-century stone arch, it once served as the entrance to the historic St Bartholomew-the-Great church, founded in 1123. This timber-framed gatehouse remarkably survived the Great Fire of London and later bomb damage, revealing its original Tudor charm beneath a Georgian facade. Today, it is a Grade II listed landmark admired for its rich history and architectural significance.
A brief summary to St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
- 57A W Smithfield, London, EC1A 9DS, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Admire the gatehouse’s Tudor timber framing and 13th-century stone arch from outside, as the building is not open to public entry.
- Visit the adjoining St Bartholomew-the-Great church to explore its Norman and Gothic architecture and rich history.
- Look for the heraldic gates restored in 2020, featuring the coats of arms of Henry I and the church’s restorers.
- Learn about the gatehouse’s survival through the Great Fire of London and WWI Zeppelin bombing that revealed its Tudor facade.
- Explore the historic Smithfield area nearby, known for its medieval market and connections to London’s past.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Barbican Station, approximately a 10-minute walk from St Bartholomew's Gatehouse. Frequent bus services also run along nearby routes, with stops within a 5-10 minute walk. Tickets cost £2.50–£5 depending on zones and time of day.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £8 and £15. Note that traffic congestion charges may apply during peak hours.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the gatehouse is pleasant and accessible, with well-paved streets and pedestrian crossings. Walking times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on starting point.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
A Tudor Survivor Amidst London's Historic Smithfield
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse stands proudly at 57A West Smithfield, marking the entrance to one of London's oldest churches, St Bartholomew-the-Great. Founded in 1123 as an Augustinian priory, the church and its gatehouse have witnessed centuries of English history. The gatehouse itself was constructed in 1595 by local resident William Scudamore, who built a two-storey timber-framed house atop a 13th-century stone archway that once served as the southern entrance to the church's nave. This fusion of medieval stonework and Tudor timber framing creates a unique architectural landmark that survived many of London’s historic calamities.Endurance Through Fire and War
Despite the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666, St Bartholomew's Gatehouse was spared due to the protective walls of the neighboring priory. Over the centuries, the gatehouse's Tudor facade was concealed behind a Georgian shopfront added in the 18th century, which helped shield it from damage. It was only during a German Zeppelin bombing raid in World War I, when the Georgian facade was damaged, that the original Tudor structure was revealed to the public. This discovery led to extensive restoration work, completed in 1932, preserving the gatehouse as a Grade II listed building that retains elements of 13th-century stonework and original Tudor panelling.Architectural and Historical Details
The gatehouse showcases bolection-moulded panelling from around 1700 on its first floor and original 1595 panelling in the attic. It is an exceptional example of Tudor domestic architecture, rare in London due to widespread destruction over the centuries. Contrary to popular myths, the gatehouse is not the site where Queen Mary I watched Protestant martyrs burn, though many executions occurred nearby in Smithfield. The area also holds grim historical significance, as William Wallace was executed within 100 meters of the gatehouse. The building later served various roles, including a school from 1948 to 1979, adding layers to its rich history.Connection to St Bartholomew-the-Great and the Community
The gatehouse forms part of the historic precinct surrounding St Bartholomew-the-Great, which remains a functioning church and a place of worship. The church itself is renowned for its Norman and Gothic architectural elements and its role in London's medieval religious life. The gatehouse’s location near Smithfield Market and St Bartholomew's Hospital situates it within a vibrant historical and cultural district. Visitors can admire the gatehouse from the outside and walk through it to visit the church, experiencing a tangible link to London's Tudor past.Preservation and Modern Significance
Today, St Bartholomew's Gatehouse is protected as a Grade II listed building, recognized for its architectural and historic importance. Conservation efforts have included restoring the ironwork and heraldic gates added in the 20th century, which feature coats of arms of Henry I and the church’s restorers. The gatehouse’s survival through centuries of urban change, fire, and war makes it a rare and valuable piece of London’s heritage. It stands as a testament to Tudor craftsmanship and the layered history of one of the City of London's oldest neighborhoods.Visiting the Gatehouse and Its Surroundings
While the gatehouse itself is not open to the public, its exterior can be admired at any time, offering a glimpse into Tudor London. The nearby St Bartholomew-the-Great church welcomes visitors and provides a deeper understanding of the site’s religious and social history. The surrounding Smithfield area, rich in medieval and modern history, complements the experience, making St Bartholomew's Gatehouse a must-see landmark for those interested in London's architectural and historical tapestry.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.0 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.3 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
Holborn Viaduct
0.4 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
London City wall
0.4 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
Temple Bar London
0.5 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.5 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Queen Anne Statue
0.5 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Ludgate Circus
0.6 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.6 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.6 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
0.6 km
Historic St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, London, famed for its wedding cake spire and deep ties to printing and journalism heritage.
Hodge The Cat Statue
0.6 km
Discover the charm of Hodge The Cat Statue in London, a delightful tribute to literary history and a must-visit for cat lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Guildhall
0.7 km
Discover Guildhall, London’s medieval civic heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and centuries of history converge in the City’s vibrant core.
John Wilkes statue
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Explore the John Wilkes Statue in London, a significant cultural landmark celebrating civil liberties and the fight for free speech.
College of Arms
0.7 km
Discover the College of Arms: A Historic Icon of British Heraldry in the Heart of London, Showcasing Art and Tradition.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Bartholomew the Great
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Explore St Bartholomew the Great, a historic Anglican church in London, rich in architecture, culture, and tranquility, perfect for all visitors.
Cloth Fair
0.1 km
Step into medieval London on Cloth Fair, a historic street where merchants once traded fabric and the city’s oldest houses still stand.
Smithfield Market
0.1 km
London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.2 km
Discover the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a gilded statue marking where London’s Great Fire ended and a moral tale of gluttony began.
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.3 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
Postman's Park
0.3 km
A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
0.3 km
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.3 km
Historic Georgian church at London’s eastern City gate, blending medieval roots with Victorian artistry and community resilience.
40 Charterhouse Square
0.3 km
Historic Charterhouse Square in London’s Barbican blends medieval legacy with iconic Brutalist architecture and vibrant city life.
The Charterhouse
0.3 km
Explore over 600 years of London history at The Charterhouse, from medieval monastery and Tudor mansion to enduring charity and museum.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.3 km
Discover St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historic City sanctuary blending Dutch-inspired architecture with a vibrant musical legacy.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
0.4 km
Discover the sweet side of London at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, where chocolate meets cocktail artistry in a delightful atmosphere.
London Wall Museum Of London
0.4 km
Explore the ancient Roman city wall and artefacts at the Museum of London London Wall, a unique historical gem in Barbican.
St John's Gate
0.4 km
Discover the medieval gateway of St John's Gate, home to the Knights Hospitaller and the origins of St John Ambulance in historic Clerkenwell.
Museum of the Order of Saint John
0.4 km
Discover the rich history of the Order of St John at its historic London Gatehouse, blending medieval heritage with modern humanitarian legacy.
Essential places to dine
St. John
0.2 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Madison
0.6 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.2 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.2 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.3 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Sarastro
1.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
14 Hills
1.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.5 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Margot
1.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.6 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
1.6 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.6 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Wahaca Southbank
1.7 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.7 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.5 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
London Silver Vaults
0.9 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
1 Poultry
0.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Exmouth Market
1.0 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Twinings - The Strand
1.1 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
not just a shop
1.1 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Unique Gifts
1.1 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
1.1 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
The Store X
1.2 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.2 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
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Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
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Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
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Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
The Old Bank of England
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Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Flight Club Shoreditch
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Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Demon, Wise & Partners
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Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Aviary
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Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
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A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Lyaness
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Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Old Fountain
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Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
The Duke
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A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Nightjar Shoreditch
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Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
1.3 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
1.3 km
A vibrant London pub offering a top-tier selection of craft beers served with expert care in a casual, retro setting.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.3 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
1.4 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
