This year marks the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s first visit to London, an event of special significance for St Bartholomew the Great.

Known as an inventor, diplomat, and one of the Founding Fathers of the USA, Franklin always described himself primarily as a printer. His arrival in London at the age of 18 in 1724 was motivated by a desire to work with the superior printing presses in the heart of the print trade. Without money, friends, or introductions, Franklin arrived in the City on Christmas Eve.
In 1725, the ancient Lady Chapel of St Bartholomew the Great, separated from the rest of the church during the Reformation, housed the printing shop of master printer Samuel Palmer. It was here that Franklin took his first job in London as a compositor, or typesetter, one of the most skilled roles in a printing shop. Franklin’s early experience in London—including setting type for Wollaston’s Religion of Nature Delineated on the very premises of St Bartholomew—helped shape his perspective and career.

To celebrate this milestone, St Bartholomew the Great will host a series of anniversary events during 2025. Highlights include:
- A Working Franklin Press Reconstruction: During February specialist hand press printers will demonstrate a working reconstruction of the ‘Franklin press’ at the exact location where Franklin honed his craft 300 years ago. The original Franklin press is housed in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, but Reading University has graciously loaned a working replica for this special occasion.
- Exhibition of Rare Printing Artifacts: A recently acquired copy of Religion of Nature Delineated will be on display, offering visitors a glimpse into Franklin’s work and the Enlightenment ideas that influenced both Britain and America.
- Art Sessions and Workshops: Renowned illustrator Rosie Brooks and conceptual cartoonist Adam Dant will lead art sessions inspired by Franklin’s legacy. Brooks’ illustrious career includes illustrating Sir Paul McCartney’s guitar and her recent publication celebrating the National Anthem. Dant, praised for his Hogarthian graphic style, brings a unique connection to the Georgian London that shaped Franklin. Sessions will accommodate up to 15 participants, offering both observation and hands-on opportunities.
- Lecture Series by Distinguished Academics:
- Nicholas Chapman: Exploring Franklin’s involvement in printing Arabic texts and their influence on Enlightenment thought. (10th March)
- Pauline Chakmakjian: Discussing Franklin’s connections with freemasonry and its intellectual influence. (30th April)
- Peter Moore: Tracing the export of Enlightenment ideas from Britain to America and their role in shaping the American Dream. (27th June)
- Nick Bunker: Delving into Franklin’s early career and scientific discoveries, revealing the human side of a visionary founder. (10th July)
All lectures will begin at 18:30 and ‘Franklin press’ demonstrations are available most days during February. Tickets will be available via Eventbrite or the church’s website.
Join us in 2025 as we celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s enduring legacy and his transformative first visit to London.
Historic Church Tours: Visitors can explore the rich history of St Bartholomew the Great through guided or self-guided tours. Founded in 1123 by Rahere, the church is renowned for its Norman, Gothic, and Tudor architecture, its connections to the Reformation, and its role in local history. It also boasts a unique artistic heritage, from medieval works to modern pieces by Damien Hirst.
About St Bartholomew the Great: The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great and St Barts Hospital were founded in 1123 by Rahere, a jester in the court of Henry I. It is the oldest parish church in the City of London and in addition to hosting Franklin, is also the only place in London to experience an apparition of the Virgin Mary. In over 900 years of history, the Church has witnessed the executions of the Smithfield Martyrs (1401-1611), survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII (1539) (despite the demolition of the nave, part of the church being used by a blacksmith and the cloister being turned into a stable), the Great Fire of London (1666) and the Blitz in WW2 (1939-1945).
Today St Bartholomew the Great serves as a vibrant parish church and sometime film set, having featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), Shakespeare in Love (1998), Elizbeth: The Golden Age (2007), Sherlock Holmes (2009), The Hollow Crown (2012), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015),Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Napoleon (2023), You (2023), My Lady Jane (2024) Mary and George (2024) and Apartment 7a (2024) amongst others.