History of our hospitals

The history of modern medicine - from the discovery of the circulation of blood to stem cell research

Barts and The London NHS Trust is one of the largest and most respected teaching hospital trusts in Britain. Our historic hospitals have made an outstanding contribution to the development of modern medicine – from William Harvey, who discovered the circulation of the blood in 1628, to names such as Parkinson (Parkinson’s Disease), Langdon-Down (Down’s Syndrome) and Barnardo (Child Welfare).

• The history of modern medicine at Barts and The London

• The history of The Royal London Hospital

• The history of St Bartholomew's Hospital

• The history of The London Chest Hospital

Museums and Archives

St Bartholomew's and The Royal London Hospitals both have long and important histories. The hospital museums tell the stories of these renowned institutions, celebrate their achievements and explain their place in history.

Both hospitals hold archives which consist of the documents and records that need to be permanently preserved for legal, financial and historical purposes. More information >>