Bell's Cathedrals: The Priory Church of St. Bartholomew-the-Great, Smithfield: A Short History of the Foundation and a Description of The: Fabric and Also of the Church of St. Bartholomew-The-Less

A historical account written in the early 20th century. The book offers a comprehensive study of the foundation, architectural features, and historical significance of St. Bartholomew-the-Great, exploring the church’s development over the centuries and its key figures, particularly its founder, Rahere. The opening of the text presents a preface that outlines the author's gratitude towards various contributors who assisted in the research and gathered material for this handbook. It sets the tone for a detailed exploration of St. Bartholomew-the-Great's history, beginning with a discussion of Rahere's life and miraculous events surrounding the church's foundation in the 12th century. The narrative suggests that Rahere, originally a courtier, underwent a transformation leading to his decision to establish a hospital and a church, guided by a vision from Saint Bartholomew. The reader is introduced to the early historical context of the church, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of its significance in both religious and architectural terms.