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7 Shocking Secrets Of St Bartholomew The Great: London's 900-Year-Old Church Is Now A Netflix Film Set

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Step inside the Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield, London, and you are immediately transported back nine centuries. As of December 2025, this ancient place of worship, often cited as the City of London's oldest surviving church, is more than just a historical monument; it is a dynamic site undergoing major renovations, hosting contemporary art, and even serving as a secret filming location for major Hollywood and streaming productions like the upcoming Netflix adaptation of 'Narnia'. This unique blend of deep history and modern relevance makes St. Bart’s a must-visit, with its ongoing "Great St. Bartholomew 900 Campaign" ensuring its Norman architecture endures for future generations.

The Priory Church's rich tapestry spans the medieval era, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Great Fire of London, and multiple modern-day restorations. Its sheer age—celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2023—means that every stone holds a story. From its founder, Rahere, to its recent use by filmmakers, the church continues to reveal fascinating secrets and remains a vibrant, active parish church.

The 900-Year Legacy: Rahere, Restoration, and the Great Campaign

The history of St Bartholomew the Great is inextricably linked to its founder, a courtier named Rahere. According to legend, Rahere founded the church in 1123 after recovering from a fever during a pilgrimage to Rome. He claimed to have had a vision of St. Bartholomew, who instructed him to establish a church and a hospital in Smithfield, London. This dual foundation—the Priory Church and St Bartholomew's Hospital (St Bart’s Hospital)—marked the beginning of a remarkable 900-year legacy.

The original structure was a vast Augustinian Priory, but much of it was demolished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1539. What survives today is primarily the choir, the crossing, and the transepts of the original Norman church, which is why it feels so intimate yet grand. It is a profound piece of surviving medieval architecture in a city constantly reshaped by fire and war.

The Great St. Bartholomew 900 Campaign: A Future Secured

To mark its 900th anniversary in 2023, the church launched the ambitious "Great St. Bartholomew 900 Campaign." This is the most significant preservation effort in modern times, moving beyond simple maintenance to ensure the church's structural integrity and functionality for the next century.

Key projects under this campaign include:

  • Restoring the Fabric: Meticulous work on the ancient stonework, roof, and windows to combat centuries of wear and London's weather.
  • The Crypt Renovation: The historic Crypt is being renovated to become a more accessible and functional space for the community and visitors.
  • A New Columbarium: The creation of a dedicated Columbarium and memorial space, providing a modern, peaceful resting place within the historic precinct.
  • New Facilities: Essential updates like modern bathroom facilities and a new sacristy and office space to support the active parish life.

These ongoing works highlight the church's commitment to remaining a living, breathing part of London's spiritual and cultural landscape, not merely a museum piece. The campaign is a testament to the enduring importance of this ancient site.

Hollywood's Medieval Backlot: St. Bart's on the Big Screen

One of the most surprising and unique aspects of St Bartholomew the Great is its unparalleled popularity as a filming location. Its remarkably preserved Norman architecture and secluded setting—hidden behind a Tudor gatehouse—make it the perfect stand-in for medieval, Victorian, and even fantastical settings. This "Hollywood connection" is a major draw for curious visitors and a vital source of funding for its preservation.

The Netflix Narnia Connection

In a major recent update, the church was temporarily closed to the public for a high-profile production: the new Netflix adaptation of C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia.' Specifically, the church was reportedly used for filming scenes related to the beloved fantasy series. This choice underscores the church's ability to convincingly portray a world separate from modern reality, a testament to its authentic medieval atmosphere.

From Hugh Grant to Sherlock Holmes

While the Narnia filming is the latest news, St. Bart's is perhaps most famous for its role in the 1994 romantic comedy classic, "Four Weddings and a Funeral." It was the setting for the first, disastrous wedding in the film, where Hugh Grant’s character, Charles, experiences a marital meltdown. The church's distinctive interior is instantly recognizable to millions of film fans worldwide.

Other notable film and television appearances that leverage the church's unique character include:

  • Sherlock Holmes (2009): The area surrounding the church, with its historic alleyways and cobblestone streets, was used for scenes involving Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes.
  • The Other Boleyn Girl (2008): Its medieval look made it an ideal location for period dramas.
  • Shakespeare in Love (1998): The church's atmospheric setting provided a perfect backdrop for the Oscar-winning historical romance.

The church’s role as a cinematic backdrop provides a fascinating contrast between its ancient spiritual purpose and its modern commercial utility, ensuring its global recognition and financial stability through location fees.

The Priory Church Today: Architecture, Entities, and Enduring Faith

The architectural features of St Bartholomew the Great are a masterclass in early English Norman style. Founded just 57 years after the Norman Conquest, the surviving structure offers a rare glimpse into the heavy, majestic design of the 12th century.

Essential Architectural Entities to Observe

Visitors today can marvel at several key elements that define its historical significance:

  • The Norman Columns: The massive, round Norman columns in the choir are a defining feature. They are topped with scalloped and cushioned capitals, showcasing the robust and simple decoration typical of the era.
  • The Arcaded Triforium: Above the main arcade, the triforium features a series of smaller arches, adding a layer of architectural complexity and light to the upper structure.
  • The Tudor Gatehouse: The main entrance is through a charming, half-timbered gatehouse that was once the church's main west entrance. It was built in 1595 after the Dissolution and adds a picturesque, anachronistic touch.
  • Rahere’s Tomb: The founder, Rahere, is interred in a magnificent tomb within the church. The tomb's canopy, though added later, is an impressive piece of medieval craftsmanship, reminding all visitors of the church's 12th-century origins.
  • The Lady Chapel: Originally the east end of the church, the Lady Chapel was famously used as a printing press in the 18th century before being meticulously restored.

The church also owes a debt to the Victorian architect Sir Aston Webb, who oversaw a major restoration in the late 19th century (starting around 1885 and completed in 1893). Webb’s work was crucial in saving the building from further decay and restoring much of its original grandeur, ensuring the survival of the Norman fabric.

Current Life and Community

Despite its age and cinematic fame, St Bartholomew the Great remains a vibrant place of worship. The Priory Church is a hub for high-quality liturgical music, with Choral Evensong services recently returning to the regular schedule, drawing in music lovers and worshippers alike.

The church also embraces contemporary culture, hosting unique events like the recent "Slipping the Veil" exhibition, which featured contemporary artists displaying their work within the ancient walls. This willingness to blend the ancient and the modern ensures the church's relevance and continues the tradition of St. Bart’s as a center for community and artistic expression in the heart of the City of London.

For visitors and parishioners, St Bartholomew the Great offers a unique, tangible connection to London's deep past. It is a place where the prayers of 900 years echo in the Norman columns, and where the latest blockbusters choose to capture the magic of history. The ongoing preservation efforts of the Great St. Bartholomew 900 Campaign promise that this remarkable Priory Church will stand as a testament to faith and history for centuries to come.

7 Shocking Secrets of St Bartholomew the Great: London's 900-Year-Old Church is Now a Netflix Film Set
saint bartholomew the great church
saint bartholomew the great church

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