Bartholomew's (St) HOSPITAL

Bartholomew's (St) HOSPITAL, Smithfield, London, was founded in 1123 by Rahere, the first prior of the Convent of Augustinian Canons, which he also founded on Smithfield. An ancient chapel originally dedicated to the Holy Cross is now the parish church of St Bartholomew the Less. The hospital received fresh charters in 1544 and in 1547, escaped the fire of 1666, and was rebuilt in 1729. The endowment has been enlarged from public and private sources, and the revenues are large and ample. The hospital contains 675 beds, and affords relief to about 150,000 patients annually. There is a thriving medical school attached, attended by about 400 students; also a convalescent home attached to the hospital, containing 75 beds, at Swanley, Kent.