Image credit: AndyScott / Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0 · 2025-10-28 ↗
Part of: St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Barts North Wing / Hogarth Stair / Great Hall
Smithfield · Smithfield · Second-audit addition
Story
The North Wing of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, now restored and reopened to the public, reveals a layer of Barts' history that many passing through Smithfield are unaware of. Upon entering, you are greeted by the grand staircase, adorned with two monumental paintings by William Hogarth: *The Pool of Bethesda* and *The Good Samaritan*. These impressive works were commissioned by the hospital in the eighteenth century, specifically for this space, and have remained here ever since. Upstairs, the Great Hall awaits with a spectacular gilded ceiling and walls covered with the names of benefactors who, over centuries, contributed to the funding of this medical institution before the establishment of the NHS. This historic complex also houses the Hospital Museum, which chronicles nine centuries of London's medical history. The presence of these artworks and halls offers a tangible insight into how hospitals were managed and sustained in past eras, and the significance of artistic and philanthropic patronage.
What to look for
Look for the Hogarth Stair and its two large Hogarth paintings, *The Pool of Bethesda* and *The Good Samaritan*. Upstairs, observe the gilded ceiling of the Great Hall and the names of benefactors on the walls.
Secret detail
Two monumental Hogarth paintings, designed for this specific space, remain on public display within a functioning hospital, without the site being transformed into a separate museum attraction.
Where exactly
North Wing, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield. Public access is via the heritage entrance of the North Wing.
Orientation
Enter via the heritage entrance of the North Wing on West Smithfield. Please check opening hours before visiting.
Why it matters
This site offers a window into the history of philanthropy and medicine, showing how hospital institutions were financed and adorned before the NHS era, and how art was integrated into their mission.
Access & opening
Live verification required before production routing.
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Needs production accessibility check.