History

From the past to the future

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

Historically, Barts in the City, the Royal London Hospital and the London Chest Hospital  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, Barts Health  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 hospitals'  history.