St Bartholomew's Hospital View Day
11th May 2016Together with other Livery Masters I was invited to attend the annual St Bartholomew's Hospital View Day reception and service. View Day has taken place every year for the last 465 years. It began an an annual inspection of properties and activities and at one time involved a procession through the city of selected patients, presumably those strong enough to walk, showing to the public their plight and encouraging charitable donations. The patients' procession has been superseded by a procession from St Bartholomew the Great after the service to the Great Hall for the reception. The involvement of the City of London was established by Henry VIII and remains as strong as ever with the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs in attendance and a good representation of the Livery Companies.View Day remains today as an opportunity to reflect on the history and achievements of this remarkable hospital.