Things to do in London, England: The Best Specialty Museums

Exhibit of the crown jewels within the Tower of London.

This fascinating Museum, located within the impressive walls of the Bank of England, tells the history of the Bank from its foundation in 1694 to the present day. Its unique collections of coins, banknotes and artefacts are supplemented by audio-visual and interactive displays. Visitors can even handle a real gold bar! Exciting new displays and exhibits have been added to the permanent galleries following a period of renovation.

Please note that the Crypt Museum is currently closed and that the church is open for limited hours only. We are very sorry not to see you and hope that you will visit in the future. All Hallows By The Tower church (sometimes known historically as 'All Hallows Barking') was founded in 675 AD and, throughout London's history, has played a key part in almost every important event. A Roman pavement, Saxon stonework, Mediaeval paintings and statues, and the glorious Grinling Gibbons font cover are all on show. This is the church where the Knights Templar had their London trials, Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from the tower, where William Penn (founder of Pennsylvania) was baptised and where President John Quincy Adams married a local girl. It is the founding place of Toc H and 'Tubby' Clayton was Vicar here for 40 years. The church has a characterful Crypt Museum and an excellent cafe - Byward Kitchen & Bar.

The museum exhibits objects and archives dating back to the 12th century, from the hospital's unique historical collections, and gives visitors the opportunity to view two vast and spectacular paintings by William Hogarth. Visitors can also enjoy the famous 18th century hospital square, designed by James Gibbs. Displays include original and facsimile archives dating back to the 12th century, among them the agreement between Henry VIII and the City of London which refounded the hospital. Henry’s signature can be seen in the top left-hand corner. This magnificent document, complete with the Great Seal of Henry VIII, is one of the most important treasures of the hospital. The oldest document in the hospital archives is Rahere’s grant of 1137, and a facsimile can be seen in the museum. Sealed in the presence of Rahere, the founder of St Bartholomew's, this deed has remained in the hospital ever since, except perhaps during the Fire of London in 1666. Objects from the hospital’s unique historical collections are also exhibited, including works of art, and surgical and medical equipment used in the hospital. Visitors can view a case of amputation instruments which belonged to John Abernethy, surgeon to the hospital in 1815-27, and the tools of the apothecary’s trade, including pill-making equipment, scales and drug bottles. Visitors can learn about William Harvey, physician to St Bartholomew's from 1609-43 and discoverer of the circulation of the blood. The patients’ diet in earlier times is explained, and a volume of 19th century drawings and watercolours illustrates in graphic detail particular diseases and cases. Equipment used by nurses in their work is exhibited, such as feeding cups, a hypodermic syringe and items of uniform. The hospital’s role in the training of medical students is also covered. The museum shop sells a range of postcards and publications about the hospital.

The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, more commonly known as the Goldsmiths' Company, is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and received its first royal charter in 1327. The purpose of the Goldsmiths' Company is to contribute to British national life by supporting its related crafts, industry and trade and through wider charitable and educational activity. The main objectives of the Company are: To support the precious metal and jewellery crafts, industry and trade trough training, education and promotion, including through programmes delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre; To operate the Assay Office and test the coinage of the realm anually through the Trial of the Pyx; To administer and act as trustee of the Company's charities; To build on our traditions to enhance our contribution to life, work, education and culture in the City of London and in other parts of the United Kingdom; To manage our financial affairs to secure the long tem future of the Company and its activities.