History

From the past to the future

Barts and the London Charity works closely with Barts and The London NHS Trust to transform the landscape of modern medicine for the 21st century.

Historically, all three hospitals of Barts and The London NHS Trust were established as a result of the philanthropic ambitions of their founders, to help alleviate pain and suffering for the poor and needy within the City of London and the East End.

The hospitals have provided a stage for many innovations in healthcare, such as:

• William Harvey discovered the circulation of the blood at Barts in 1609

• Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man, was treated at The Royal London Hospital in 1886

• Thomas Davies pioneered the use of the stethoscope at The London Chest Hospital in 1827

Today the NHS Trust builds on this rich history of pioneering healthcare to provide the very best in patient care, medical research and staff and student development.

Please click here to download the more information on the Hospital’s history.