Guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church

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Discover over 800 years of history with a guided tour of one of England's finest churches - a masterpiece of gothic architecture.

In the heart of Bristol stands St Mary Redcliffe, an architectural masterpiece spanning centuries of English history. Revered as one of the nation's most magnificent churches, its significance echoes through time, endorsed even by Queen Elizabeth I herself in 1574, who lauded it as "The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England."

Embarking on a journey through this hallowed sanctuary, visitors are first greeted by the North Porch, a hexagonal marvel dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Once a revered chapel housing a shrine to the Virgin Mary, its exterior boasts intricate stone carvings that tell tales of old, offering a glimpse into the church's storied past.

Venturing within, the church unfolds its maritime connections, notably through the representation of John Cabot's legendary voyage to North America in 1497, immortalized in stone and wood.

In the sanctity of St John's Chapel, the splendor of medieval art reveals itself through stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century, evoking an era of craftsmanship and devotion.

The grandeur of St Mary Redcliffe extends to its architectural marvels, with the chancel and altar adorned by a breathtaking vaulted ceiling boasting over 1200 intricately carved roof bosses. The North Transept harbors a mysterious effigy, shrouded in the enigma of centuries past, while the C14th Lady Chapel stands as a testament to Gothic artistry, adorned with exquisite stained glass and a captivating screen designed by Harry Stammers.

Among the church's treasures lie the legacies of Bristol's medieval merchant princes, exemplified by the polychrome stone altar tomb of William Canynges II and his wife Joan in the South Transept. Their patronage helped rebuild the church following the collapse of its spire in the 15th century.

As visitors wander the sacred halls, their gaze is drawn not only to the grandeur of monuments and effigies but also to the subtle marks left by history itself. Medieval graffiti and merchants' marks, hidden for centuries, now emerge as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

Lastly, the tour unveils a hidden gem nestled high above the North Porch: the Chatterton Room, a space steeped in the legacy of Bristol's prodigious son, Thomas Chatterton. Here, amidst echoes of the past, one can't help but feel the enduring spirit of creativity and discovery that permeates St Mary Redcliffe, a testament to its timeless allure.

The tours cost £10.00 each