St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century. A guided tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the church’s architectural marvels and uncover its storied past. From admiring medieval artwork to uncovering hidden spaces, this affordable experience offers a captivating glimpse into the church’s role in Bristol’s maritime heritage. With rave reviews and a wealth of intriguing details, a tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church promises to be a memorable adventure for history enthusiasts.

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Key Points

Guided tours of St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol provide access to hidden spaces, including the Chatterton Room via a 75-step spiral staircase.
The tour includes the discovery of medieval artwork, graffiti, and merchants’ marks, offering insights into the church’s rich history.
Knowledgeable guides enhance the exploration of the church’s historical connections, such as its architectural highlights and significant monuments.
The church is renowned for its exquisite medieval stained glass windows and skilled stone carvings, which captivate visitors.
With a 4.7/5 rating based on 27 reviews and affordable pricing starting at $7.76 per person, the guided tour is a popular and satisfying visitor experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Church History and Construction

St Mary Redcliffe Church has a rich history spanning several centuries, with construction beginning in the 12th century and continuing through the 19th century.

St Mary Redcliffe Church’s history spans centuries, with construction starting in the 12th century and continuing into the 19th century.

The church is recognized as one of England’s finest examples of English perpendicular Gothic architecture. Its impressive 74-meter spire, built in the 15th century, is a prominent landmark in Bristol.

Over the centuries, the church has undergone extensive renovations and additions, including the unique hexagonal north porch dating from the 12th-13th century, which was once the main chapel.

Today, the church stands as a testament to its long and illustrious history.

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Architectural Highlights

One of England’s finest examples of English perpendicular Gothic architecture, the church boasts an array of architectural highlights. The unique hexagonal North Porch, dating from the 12th-13th century, was once the main chapel. The medieval stained glass, particularly in St John’s Chapel and the Lady Chapel, dates back to the 14th century. Plus, the church is home to a mysterious knight effigy and the tomb of William Canynges II, a notable figure in Bristol’s history.

| Architectural Highlight | Historical Significance | Location |

|————————|————————-|———–|

| North Porch | 12th-13th century | Main entrance |

| Medieval Stained Glass | 14th century | St John’s Chapel, Lady Chapel |

| Knight Effigy | Unknown | Interior |

| William Canynges II Tomb | 15th century | Interior |

Stained Glass and Artwork

The medieval stained glass windows within St Mary Redcliffe Church, particularly those located in St John’s Chapel and the Lady Chapel, are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance.

Visitors can expect to see:

Vibrant biblical scenes and religious iconography that have graced the church for centuries.

Vibrant biblical scenes and religious iconography that have graced the church for centuries.
Remarkable stone carvings adorning the window frames, showcasing the skilled artistry of the church’s stonemasons.
Faint merchant’s marks and graffiti etched into the glass, offering a glimpse into the lives of Bristol’s historic residents.

These stunning works of art and their intricate details are sure to captivate all who witness them.

Significant Monuments and Effigies

Within the hallowed halls of St Mary Redcliffe Church, visitors are drawn to the remarkable monuments and effigies that bear witness to the church’s storied past.

Among the most intriguing is the mysterious knight effigy, whose identity remains shrouded in mystery. Plus, the tomb of William Canynges II, a prominent figure in Bristol’s history, stands as a testament to the church’s maritime connections.

These exquisite stone carvings and funerary monuments not only captivate the eye but also invite visitors to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the church’s history and the lives of its influential parishioners.

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Maritime Connections

Reflecting its coastal location and Bristol’s maritime heritage, St Mary Redcliffe Church boasts a tangible connection to the age of exploration. Among its historic artifacts is the whalebone of John Cabot, the 15th-century Venetian navigator who led the first English expedition to North America.

Visitors can observe this evocative relic, which serves as a reminder of Bristol’s seafaring past and its pioneering role in global exploration. The church’s maritime associations are further evident in:

Carved likenesses of ships adorning the medieval architecture
Inscriptions referencing merchants, traders, and sea captains
Architectural details reflecting the influence of maritime design

There's plenty more to explore in Bristol

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol can expect to access areas normally closed to the public, including the Chatterton Room accessible via a 75-step spiral staircase. The tour offers a chance to explore the church’s hidden spaces, discover medieval artwork, graffiti, and merchants’ marks dating back 800 years. Guests can also marvel at the exquisite stone carvings and learn about the church’s extensive artwork and historical connections. The tour experience is further enhanced by an insightful and knowledgeable guide, ensuring a memorable and informative visit.

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Visitor Experiences and Feedback

What do visitors have to say about the guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol?

Based on the 4.7/5 rating from 27 reviews, the tour appears to be a hit with visitors. Common comments praise the tour’s interesting and informative nature, with many expressing a desire to return.

Visitors highlight the guide’s extensive knowledge and the church’s iconic status. The tour provides access to hidden spaces, allowing guests to:

Discover medieval artwork, graffiti, and merchants’ marks adorning the church for centuries.
Investigate the mysterious knight effigy and the tomb of a notable local figure.
Climb the 75-step spiral staircase to the Chatterton Room, typically off-limits to the public.

Planning Your Visit

To plan your visit to St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol, it is recommended to reserve your guided tour in advance.

The 1.5-hour tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and provides access to areas normally closed to the public. Bookings can be made online, allowing for flexible travel plans as payment is not required until the day of the tour.

Tours are offered in English, and the church’s cancellation policy provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pricing starts at $7.76 per person, making it an affordable way to explore this iconic 12th-19th century Gothic church.

The Sum Up

St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol offers a captivating guided tour for history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore hidden spaces, admire medieval artwork, and uncover the church’s rich maritime past. With high ratings from previous guests, this affordable experience is a must-visit for those seeking to explore the storied history of this architectural gem.