The Grisly History Behind Bleeding Heart Yard EC1

[@fivemtc]

I know this funny little square well, both through 'Little Dorrit' and by visiting many times, including to eat at the Bistro. The gate to Ely Place is usually open during the day.

[@Robslondon]

Ah, will have to go back in the daytime to see 😉

[@paulbagley1020]

Rob, is it possible that the original name was Bleeding Hart Yard? If so, the theory of it being a site for butchering deer would fit nicely! Like so many names and titles that get altered over time, "hart" could easily become "heart", especially when the latter conjures thoughts of gruesome horrors and lurid tales.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul, yes I think you may be onto something- hart would certainly be a possible alternative spelling

[@vincentperratore4395]

I suppose a bloodless version of that would be the milquetoast bleeding heart liberal, which in my country at any rate, (though loath to admit), are a farthing a gross, and a brass farden one at that!

[@bryan3550]

Spot on, Paul. My very thought too. 😉

[@barrywa39]

I was thinking that too.

[@stanleyfox4201]

Could it be named after St. Maria Goretti who was stabbed many times?

[@thetragicyouth]

I never knew that Clerkenwell was once known as Little Italy - maybe that explains why London's first ice cream parlours/manufacturers were located in Clerkenwell? Hope you're enjoying your holiday, Rob!

[@hx0d]

Still is!

[@thetragicyouth]

@@hx0d Never was when I lived there! 😁

[@Robslondon]

Thank you- spot on! And I am thank you, yes! Greetings from 🇨🇦😉

[@denniswilliams160]

The biggest Catholic Italian Community in London is claimed by St. Peter's Italian Church in Clerkenwell. It has been described as "one of the most beautiful churches in London".

[@k9killer221]

I didn't realise there was a significant Italian immigration into London in the late 19th century. I think there was a civil war, Gariboldi?

[@COMEINTOMYWORLD]

Fab video. Even around 2019 ish you could walk direct from St Etheldreda's to BHY. It's a shame the entrance has been closed / blocked. Why on Earth would anyone want to stop people coming to the yard!

[@Robslondon]

Great comment and thank you!

[@fenman1954]

Not being a Londoner i find your videos a fascinating glimpse into the history of our capital city.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much 😊

[@chrisblay]

I have a connection to this area of London in my family history. As you alluded to, Saffron Hill was infamous and well documented as an extremely rough area, where apparently even the police wouldn’t venture. Didn’t know about Bleeding Heart Yard though.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Chris

[@Slycockney]

Bleeding excellent Rob, thank you.

[@Robslondon]

😃 Cheers!

[@paulwilson7234]

Brilliant Sunday night video.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Paul 😉

[@hellie_el]

Thanks!

[@thewrecker3140]

Your are very generous many thanks Robs Dad.

[@hellie_el]

@@thewrecker3140 hi rob's dad! i wish it could be more. all those television-types should hang their big fat heads in shame, collecting huge salaries with only a tiny portion of rob's skills and talents - not to mention his charm! he's just amazing. blessings on him always. ❤️

[@thewrecker3140]

Hellie your wonderful comment is worth a million dollars.

[@hellie_el]

@@thewrecker3140 ❤️❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that hellie-el thank you! 😁

[@CorcoranDavid]

Ive been addicted to your videos, "in a good way" I was in London for a week in 1983... when I was 18.... Look forward to getting to know this great world capitol with your help! On my next visit!.... anyhow thanks for your great work!

[@Robslondon]

That’s so kind of you to say! Many thanks; it’s good to have you here 😉

[@rontanser9369]

Thanks Rob, that was a beautiful little video. It did look a bit gruesome even now it would make a marvellous Victorian film set for Sherlock Holmes

[@Robslondon]

Thanks- and yes, for sure 😉

[@michaelj3282]

I used to work in Farringdon (opposite the station) in the mid 90s, never knew of that yard. Brilliant vid, thanks Rob and enjoy your holiday.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Michael 🇨🇦😉

[@sharonleong7120]

Great content. I love it as always. Thank you Robert. 👍👍👍😍😍😍

[@Robslondon]

You’re a star Sharon, thank you 😉

[@hellie_el]

❤❤❤❤❤ this was just great! you're so multi-talented, rob!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much- you’re one of my biggest supporters and I can’t thank you enough.

[@hellie_el]

@@Robslondon ❤️❤️❤️

[@juanc424]

Bravo, Rob! What a captivating story. I love that (it seems to me) for every little pocket of London there is an interesting tale.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you- and yes, exactly 😉

[@robbojax2025]

Interesting video about a place few people are aware of. I have eaten at the Bistro and Tavern many times.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Robbojax… I’ve still not been there, keep meaning to!

[@markhylton157]

🎉❤🎉 Wow that is amazing Really beautiful wonderful fantastic video Please could we have more stories like this

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Mark; I’ll do my best!

[@johnbacon1854]

I have to say Rob, as soon as I saw thew lay out at the start, it felt like there was a slaughter house there. So once you mentioned the deer place it fitted nicely. The way some of those buildings look, seem to give way to a sort of small warehouse enviroment and I could almost picture horse and carts coming and going over those cobbles with the fresh deer meat. Fascinating place and does give off a strange but interesting vibe. Cheers for sharing.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks as always John, good comment 😉

[@waynedexter3446]

Excellent as always Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Wayne!

[@janicetaylor6274]

I was born in batholemew hospital, and lived I an old house in King's Square EC1, a different family lived on each floor. Including the basement. I would often walk past bleeding heart lane with my friends, but we were too scared to go into it.

[@johnsharp8632]

A very enjoyable video as always Rob. I have walked past Bleeding Heart Yard quite often, but never gave the name much thought. Not surprising that the name has conjured up so many grisly tales.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John 😉

[@robertmurray6021]

Another great video, thanks Rob.!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Robert!

[@robertmurray6021]

Your video's are always interesting and informative,and always look forward to your next one, please keep up the good work.😊

[@roberttaylor6295]

And another. Thanks! They are mounting up! Rob

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Much appreciated Rob ;-)

[@garybrockwell2031]

Bleeding marvelous 🇬🇧💪⁉️😢♥️ Cheers Rob..🙏💯😇

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@JacqTracks]

As usual, a great video--you capture the atmosphere wonderfully!

[@Robslondon]

That is so kind of you; thank you very much! 😄

[@PhilipStorry]

Great work Rob. I've eaten at the Bleeding Heart Tavern, Bistro and (when it was there) Resteraunt many times before. Each is slightly more upmarket than the last, but all were excellent. Just to the right as you go into Bleeding Heart Yard is a door which leads up to the London Rooms of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society - a member's club for those that like a dram. It's a great bar but members only. Suffice it to say I've often left late at night, but no matter how... influenced... I've never seen any ghosts there. The only spirits were in my glass! I think my preferred explanation for the name is the butchery of animals, I reckon the pub landlord was having a joke with his naming and that's become lost to time...

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Philip, thank you 😉

[@robbojax2025]

I forgot about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Been there a few times with members. Very relaxing place to enjoy the nectar of the Gods

[@AlannahRyane]

Your videos are always a great excuse for a break ... love them Thanks Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! Glad to be of service 😉

[@butchknapman3939]

Well done, Rob, yet another Sunday evening with a great video. It is always well researched . What added to this was the night photography When you were at the end of Hatton Garden, you were stood under or next to an interesting Blue Plaque

[@avnostlga]

This is what I love about the global attraction to this channel. I look forward to spending Sunday morning in bed with a cup of coffee to watch Rob's new releases.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much 😉

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Butch! Hope you’re keeping well. There was a blue plaque not too far away 😉

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. Another interesting little film. Where do you get them all from??😂😂🤔

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Doug! 😉

[@paulmerryman]

Excellent work as always Rob. Definitely felt eerie watching, and thanks for the cough. Enjoy your holiday.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Paul… 🇨🇦😉

[@richardsingh5827]

Interesting video, I knew someone who lived near Hatton Gardens and went there a few times.

[@Robslondon]

Nice place to live 😉

[@Robslondon]

Nice place to live 😉

[@michellebell5092]

As always, such a fascinating tale of hidden London. My favourite address of one of my ancestors was Cold Bath Square in Clerkenwell. There’s also a cold bath St. near Lewisham. Brrrrrrr

[@Robslondon]

That’s a good idea for a video! Cheers 😉

[@louisegalczynski5902]

Another great video Rob! ❤

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Louise 😄

[@jez6208]

Just discovered your channel. Really interesting. Cheers Rob. 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Jen, good to have you here!

[@jez6208]

@@Robslondon cheers rub. 😄

[@10toMidnight]

Always enjoy your vids. Many thanks, Calgary Alberta.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated, thank you.

[@brianartillery]

Very interesting, as usual, Rob. Thank you. I first heard of this place when it was used in one of the late Christopher Fowler's brilliant 'Bryant and May' novels, actually entitled 'The Bleeding Heart'. Mr Fowler was very familiar with the weird tales, and odd corners of London, and often wove them into the fabric of his crime novels, occasionally expanding on them, or transposing the events to a modern day parallel, often to breathtaking effect. Are you familiar with his 'Bryant And May' books? They're a really good read, and if you are interested in London's darker, quirkier, and more interesting corners, they are just the thing. They pair very well with your videos, actually. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Brian. I’m not familiar with them no, am very interested now though! Will have a look 😉

[@brianartillery]

@@Robslondon Mr Fowler's final B&M book was 'Bryant and May's Peculiar London'. I think you might enjoy that one. It's an odd kind of tour guide, possibly for people who hate tourist places. Utterly fascinating.

[@michaelgask]

Such a great history, and you tell it well. But the best bit is this eerie nighttime footage... creepy but perfect!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Michael; was good fun filming at night 😉

[@darriendastar3941]

As ever, excellent. (If you're keeping thing spooky for October, you should do Nunhead in south east London. Over the years, the locals have told me so many different stories about dead nuns that you could feasibly rename the place the Vatican!)

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks… keep an eye out, there will be a Halloween special 😉

[@PaulB-17]

Great work again Rob with more interesting stories. My bet is on the Hart as in Deer abattoir theory.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul- great minds think alike 😉

[@lh8593]

i was lost and ended up here. I looked up at a window and there was a large colour artwork with a heart stabbed with multiple knives and the words Bleeding Heart. Not the most auspicious thing to see when you take a wrong turn!

[@Robslondon]

🤣

[@asheland_numismatics]

So many cool little places to see over there. Hopefully someday I’ll make it. Great video!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you- and I sincerely hope you do. Stay well asheland.

[@asheland_numismatics]

@@Robslondon thank you Rob! 👍

[@stevebradley704]

Great tales. Thanks man.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers 😉

[@russellgray1426]

Nice one, again. Enjoy your holiday 👍🏻

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Russel 😉

[@angierucinski5694]

Thanks Rob, another fascinating piece of London's history.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😄

[@mervingoose1151]

more of this please liked and sub

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated thank you; good to have you here 😉

[@jonathanchalk2507]

Many thanks, Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😊

[@richardcoombes9491]

well done rob as always a great glimpse in to our dear old london town quite spooky especialy at night well done rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks as always Richard! 😉

[@richardcoombes9491]

keep up the good work rob @@Robslondon

[@arthunter92]

Been looking forward to this one and you certainly didn’t disappoint. Well researched and presented Rob…

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me, thank you.

[@sylviachown2971]

Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Sylvia! Really kind of you 😁

[@lovelyskull3483]

Thank you, excellent video.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😊

[@petercalthorpe7966]

G'day Rob,,very interesting thanks for sharing. All the best form down under mate 👍🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Peter 😉

[@hArtyTruffle]

Thanks Rob :) Always look forward to a new one 👍🏼

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much 😊

[@terryevans5476]

Thanks for sharing Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Terry

[@barrywa39]

As always, a brilliant, and very fact packed video Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Barry!

[@hx0d]

Great video and very accurate from a local. Top job.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated, thank you 😊

[@tonypub40]

Excellent video as usual. Thanks rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Tony!

[@Jpkjr52]

Thanks again John in Chicago

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@marv6973]

Fascinating film. I have a theory, could it be connected with butchery as Smithfields market is just around the corner close to another square with an interesting name, Cowcross Yard. Or could it be something stemming from executions as Smithfields was also a traditional site for this. Love these stories of our great city. Thank you

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Marv; that’s a very good point, wouldn’t surprise me at all of there is a connection there.

[@ChrisSmith-ls7mb]

Hello Rob Great video. I heard of Bleeding heart yard from a show called the next stop. I had that show saved on our pvr and always watched it before we came to London. I liked the story of the devil killing Lady Hatton. I liked that you mention that Bishops from other parts of England had land in London as I numerous pictures of buildings that do not look like churches but have religious symbols on them and I am sure I have that one you showed. Thanks again. Take care Chris and Sandra of Canada.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks guys; great comment as ever 😉 Hope you’re keeping well

[@budd2nd]

I’m not familiar with that part of London at all. But I really appreciate learning a bit of the history from you Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you 😊

[@Shanghai_Knife_Dude]

When Shanghai was under British rule, there was also a "bloody alley" for very similar reason. It seems a British tradition.

[@Robslondon]

😬

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

Another winner Rob!! I love those old maps; where do you get them from?

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! An excellent source is David Rumsay’s map site; highly recommended.

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

@@Robslondon Ah! Thanks Rob; I'll look him up.

[@itsjohndell]

Marvelous as always, but Spiel? Spiel? You always amaze me...

[@Robslondon]

🤣

[@davidsillars3181]

What a grim place! At least in the 19thc. Great stories though Rob. Don't think I've been in that area.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you David ☺️

[@ianbeck741]

Bleeding Heart Yard was also the location of the shop and workshop of Mr Lawrence who supplied boxwood blocks for wood engravers. The printing trade after all being situated in that area. He was active through the 1950s and 1960s supplying blocks to all the leading engravers of the day.

[@Robslondon]

Interesting, thank you

[@pulaski1]

I used to work about 4 minutes walk away from BHY, but I have only ever eaten in the bistro once, some years later after jumping the pond and I was visiting London on business. So far as the name goes, I think given the proximity to the Smithfield market, that there is a good possibility of a connection to the butchery trade, and as others have noted in the Comments, that the name may have started out as "Bleed Hart Yard".

[@Robslondon]

Thanks- good point!

[@HeimirTomm]

Yet another brilliant episode... keep 'em coming, please 🙂

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much… will do 😉

[@HeimirTomm]

@@Robslondon It is really wonderful that you take the time to reply to us commenters, it makes us feel valued. Thank you for that.

[@lesleysmith51]

Another very interesting post. I really don't know that area at all. I love all the horror stories especially the one about the devil joining a part. The picture of the devil looks like the one they have on a Twilight Zone episode. The last one seems the most probable. I am curious at the colors of the rooms especially the partially green building. Did the Bleeding Hearts pub get cleared when they cleared the slums or is the Bistrow in a very old building? I think a lot of London has got a ghost or 2 somewhere if you ask around. It doesn't look like a place I would go to in the dark. Maybe you could do some posts on other strange names, maybe just several short pieces in a post. I do admire all the work and research you put into your videos. Always look forward to them.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Lesley, thank you! I believe the current pub/bistro dates from the 19th century, it would’ve been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Cheers and stay well.

[@annereidy7981]

Heart is a male red deer, so yes, I think that one fits Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Ah, thank you Anne!

[@annereidy7981]

@@Robslondon Rob, slight correction to that but given the original time period, I don't think it makes much difference. Hart is the spelling and not heart, as in Hart and Hind, male and female red deer. There is also a biblical reference, too complicated to go into here. But it still fits in with the areas history.

[@WickedFelina]

There was a pub called "Bleeding Heart" with a heart pierced by swords in Henry VIII time? The Blessed Mother was told when she brought Jesus as a baby to the temple that "a sword will pierce your own soul too... " In Catholicism, it is a famous depiction of Mary showing her heart pierced with a sword. Maybe, many years after the reformation, people forgot about what the name was referring to? Legends and tales rise up trying to explain it.

[@Robslondon]

Interesting comment, thank you

[@douglasthompson296]

Hi Rob, veryyy atmospheric film. The yard overall hadn't been too gentrified but probably some developer got his/her eye on it 🧐 Mancs has a healthy Italian community who carry a Madonna statue in a parade in the summer Italian festival. A strong Italian community in the North East, lots of Icecream/coffee houses there. Cheers DougT

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Doug; great comment. Hope you’re keeping well.

[@sarahlouise7163]

could also have been spelled HART - which fits in with slaughtered deer? bleeding hart deer oh i see, someone also mentioned this 😄 another fabulous video, Rob!

[@Robslondon]

🤣 Thanks! 😉

[@ImperialistRunningDo]

You are always visiting old, old places in London. I know, there's so many to chose from. But could you visit a few new ones, too? I'm thinking of the garden at 25 Cannon Street, with iconic views of the dome of St. Paul's. So much of the new building in the City is dreadful; this is a spot I want to visit.

[@Robslondon]

New places are interesting but it’s history I find fascinating; I need something in depth to write about!

[@Rachel-bo3qg]

❤

[@grogalot2]

Another good 'n

[@Robslondon]

Thanks!

[@richardkell4888]

Is it not Hart? As in young white deer? Blimey, looks very modernised from what i knew in my 1983 visit.

[@Robslondon]

May well have been Hart years ago yes… that’s why I think the slaughter site theory is a valid one 😉

[@alanhaynes418]

I was a motorcycle courier between '83 and '98 mainly in London, and was very often in these areas delivering. It was usually quicker to walk from one drop to the next as parking, even then was extremely difficult. I got to know all the cut throughs, nooks and crannies to facilitate getting about. There were many remnants of old London still in existence in those days - sadly almost all of them have been obliterated in the rush to redevelop over the last 25 years.

[@chrisball3778]

Bleeding and wounded hearts were a popular piece of medieval Christian iconography. Believers were encouraged to contemplate the wounds of Christ and the Saints as a way of expressing their gratitude for their suffering, and in the hope that they could also meet suffering with fortitude if it fell upon them. Images of pierced and bleeding hearts are still found in modern Christianity, particularly in Catholicism- hence the large numbers of Catholic educational, medical and social institutions called 'Sacred Heart'. I'd be fairly confident that the original pub was just using a popular image from religious artwork of the day for a distinctive sign, and that's where the name came from. When most people were illiterate, a pub's name needed to be something that could be encapsulated in a simple, eye-catching image. These were sometimes references to local history or folklore, but could also be representations of the coats of arms of landowners or famous people of the day, or just something the pub landlord liked the look of. The bit about the gangs exploiting the impoverished boys and performing animals was grimly fascinating.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Chris

[@ImperialistRunningDo]

If you want a Halloween location, do the area around St. Bart's. The Old Baily, Newgate Prison, bodysnatchers, cells in tavern basements, burnings at the stake. Henry VIII had a man boiled alive here. Tower Hill gets all the fame, but Smithfield has a horrifying history.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks; I already have the Halloween episode for this year planned though

[@petersimpson633]

Bell End, Rowley Regis anyone?

[@Robslondon]

🤣 I’d like to do a rude street names video, but I don’t think KZbin would allow it!

[@janebaker966]

Even though all those stories are nonsense i still wouldnt want to wander up into that yard after dark. Have you ever seen the Roman Catholic holy image of the Bleeding Heart. I entered a Catholic chapel once and had a horrific shock. I do find Catholic imagery quite strangely sinister so i expect that must be origin. Dreadful poverty.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Jane, good comment. Stay well.

[@k9killer221]

13:50 Bleeding Hart?

[@Robslondon]

Could be, but it’s spelt ‘heart’ on the street sign

[@k9killer221]

Amazing coincidence you mentioned deer were butchered in that courtyard and the old term for deer is Hart. @@Robslondon

[@Robslondon]

Yes, I think that is where it indeed originates, although over the years 'hart' had become 'heart' in the spelling @@k9killer221

[@matthewjburt6482]

As it's originally of ecclesiastical origin, I think it probably got its name from The Bleeding Heart of Jesus Christ, a common Catholic doctrine.

[@JaneAustenAteMyCat]

Yes, you must be right, I thought I was missing something. Still, I love all the urban myths and folklore that have grown up around it!

[@cachebangwallop3482]

Yes, you’re right. More specifically, since the original reference was to the pub name “The Bleeding Heart of Our Lady” this would be a reference to the Catholic devotion to the sacred, or bleeding, heart of Mary the mother of Jesus. This originates from a verse in Luke’s gospel (chapter 2:35) “a sword will pierce your soul (or “heart”) too” where Simeon is looking ahead to Jesus’ death and how this would affect his mother. A common Roman Catholic symbol of Mary is a heart pierced with a sword. Since Rob introduced the phrase with reference to the reformation and the church I have a suspicion that he was aware of this! Another great video about a fascinating place, thank you, Rob.

[@markshrimpton3138]

Another meticulously researched vignette into our past. The poverty to be found in the capital city of what was then the world’s most powerful nation was a bleedin’ disgrace.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Mark…. And yes, very much agreed- I very much wanted to highlight that in this video. Stay well.

[@christina3521]

❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@resolvetogive]

Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

I really appreciate that! Thank you so much 😊 Stay well

[@timonthorncroft8236]

Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! Very kind of you 😊

[@angierucinski5694]

Thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Angie!