Life and death in the archives, 1123-2023

Coming soon, 10 May- 1 August 2023!

A free outdoor exhibition of photography, art and history from the archives and collections of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, held by Barts Health NHS Trust Archives.

In 2023 St Bartholomew’s Hospital celebrates opening its doors to Londoners for 900 years. It is the oldest hospital still running on the same site in England. The hospital’s archives tell the story of this unbroken history. From the famous to the forgotten, London lives fly from the pages of Barts’ ancient ledgers, with stories of crisis and caring, miracle and mayhem, living and loss, agony and healing.

The exhibition draws on the unique historic collections of St Bartholomew’s Hospital to tell new stories. Ancient account books, medieval marginalia, records, maps, art, diaries and photographs reveal the individuals who worked, lived and died at Barts.

The exhibition tours to open spaces in the city during summer 2023 - find it at:

Guildhall Yard, in the centre of the City, from Wednesday 10 May - Tuesday 6 June 2023

Aldgate Square from Wednesday 7 June - Wednesday 5 July 2023

St Bartholomew's Hospital Square from Thursday 8 July - Tuesday 1 August 2023

An accompanying display of highlights from the exhibition will also be in the main corridor of the King George V block, the main clinical building at St Bartholomew's Hospital, throughout summer and autumn 2023, supported by the Voluntary Board of St Bartholomew's Hospital .

This exhibition is being presented in partnership with the City of London Corporation, as part of its programme of outdoor exhibitions. It is part of a year of programming to mark the landmark anniversary of 900 years since the foundation of St Bartholomew’s Hospital in 1123. You can find more information on the wider Barts900 campaign and programme here.