Pediment of the gateway has deeply recessed Royal Arms in relief. Below there is a clock with a relief of crossed crutches amidst fruit, flowers and ears of corn. First floor has large broken-pedimented niche flanked by twin columns containing a statue of King Henry VIII. Each segment of the broken pediment supports a hospital patient. Both are reclining, scantily draped. The patient on the left has one arm in a loose sling, and his legs are crossed so that one foot projects unsupported. The one on the right is bearded and has a bandaged head and leg. With his left arm he holds a stick between his legs.
Statue of Henry VIII: According to Buildings of England, the figure of Henry VIII was restored for the architects D.W.Insall & Associates by John Sambrook in 1988. Mentioned in John Timbs, Curiosities of London, London: David Bogue, 1855, p.31. Presumably it was placed there when the hospital was rebuilt by James Gibbs in the 1730s. Lord Edward Gleichen. London's Open-Air Statuary. London: Longmans, Green and Co., Ltd., 1928, p.132: Over the gateway, in a niche is a blackened stone statue, about lifesize, of Henry VIII. On the figure of Lamemess and Disease: According to John Timbs, Curiosities of London, London: David Bogue, 1855, p.31, Over the entrance next Smithfield is a statue of Henry VIII; on pediment are 2 reclining figures of Lameness and Sickness Lord Edward Gleichen. London's Open-Air Statuary. London: Longmans, Green and Co., Ltd., 1928, p.132: over the gateway, in a niche is a blackened stone statue, about life-size, of Henry VIII. Overhead on a curved architrave are two semi-recumbent figures of Lameness and Sickness of 1702, sculptor unknown.
Saint Bartholomew's Hospital
Founded by Rahere AD 1102 Refounded by King Henry VIII AD 1546
This building was erected AD 1842
Mathias Prime Lucas Esqre Alderman, President
Thomas Helps Esqre Treasurer
and enlarged 1861
Right Honble William Cubitt Lord Mayor, President
William Foster White Esqre Treasurer