Is it possible for a building to whisper tales of survival? The Old Gatehouse at St Bartholomew’s stands as a testament to London’s resilience. It has witnessed fires and wars. This Tudor gatehouse is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living piece of history.
The Old Gatehouse stands proudly at the entrance to St Bartholomew-the-Great. The church is one of the oldest in the city. It was founded in 1123 as an Augustinian priory. The gatehouse protects this ancient church.
But how did The Old Gatehouse itself come to be? The dissolution of the monasteries in 1536 saw much of the original church destroyed. In 1595, William Scudamore saw an opportunity. He built a two-story timber-framed house on the remains of the nave’s southern doorway. This became The Old Gatehouse.
The Old Gatehouse may have been modest. Its location was superb. The priory walls shielded it from the Great Fire of London in 1666. These same walls also saved many houses on Cloth Fair.
In the 18th century, someone built a Georgian facade over the Tudor timber of The Old Gatehouse. The original building faded into obscurity. For two centuries, it served as a shop.
A German Zeppelin raid in 1917 revealed the original frontage. Bomb damage exposed the Tudor structure. The Old Gatehouse was fully restored in 1932. It is now a Grade II listed building. It even retains 13th-century stonework from the original nave. Inside, you can find bolection-moulded panelling from around 1700 on the first floor. The attic boasts original panelling dating back to 1595.
There are interesting facts about The Old Gatehouse. Despite popular belief, Queen Mary did not eat chicken and drink wine here while watching Protestant martyrs burn. Mary died before the gatehouse was built. However, many London martyrs were burned nearby in Smithfield.
From 1948 to 1979, The Old Gatehouse served as a school. This adds another layer to its rich history.
The Old Gatehouse is easily accessible today. It stands on West Smithfield near St Bartholomew’s Hospital. You can admire it from the outside. You can also walk through it to visit the church behind.
So, what makes The Old Gatehouse special? It is a survivor. It has seen London change over centuries. It is a reminder of the city’s past. Its walls echo with stories of survival and transformation. The Old Gatehouse stands as a symbol of London’s enduring spirit.