Bart's Hospital Gatehouse 

Completed 2023

The Henry VIII gatehouse is an important Grade I listed early 18th Century building that forms the entrance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield. Last restored over 30 years ago, gradual decay caused by water ingress, atmospheric pollution, vegetation growth and use of cementitious repairs had caused the condition of the facades to deteriorate to such a worrying extent that specialist scaffolding was erected to protect patients and staff from falling masonry. Additionally, rusting iron cramps used to tie the stone facing blocks back to the brick core of the structure had caused large sections of stone to crack and large, corner sections falling to the ground.

The Henry VIII gatehouse is an important Grade I listed early 18th Century building that forms the entrance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield. Last restored over 30 years ago, gradual decay caused by water ingress, atmospheric pollution, vegetation growth and use of cementitious repairs had caused the condition of the facades to deteriorate to such a worrying extent that specialist scaffolding was erected to protect patients and staff from falling masonry. 

Additionally, rusting iron cramps used to tie the stone facing blocks back to the brick core of the structure had caused large sections of stone to crack and large, corner sections falling to the ground.

The exterior of the gatehouse is now in excellent condition for the first time in many years, ready for work to refurbish the interiors, and although the stone repairs were very substantial they are almost impossible to see. Importantly, it has also been restored in time for the 900th anniversary of Barts Hospital and the Wren300 celebrations which take place this year.