Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Bristol |
| Country | England |
| Coordinates | 51°27′22″N 2°35′50″W / 51.456121°N 2.597164°W |
| Completed | 1504 |
The Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne is a historic church located on Colston Street in Bristol, England. It stands near the top of the famous Christmas Steps. This special building has been recognized as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historical site that needs to be protected.
The name "Three Kings of Cologne" refers to the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men. These are the figures from the Bible who visited baby Jesus. The chapel's name is a nod to the Shrine of the Three Kings found in Cologne Cathedral in Germany. One of the chapel's windows even shows the nativity of Jesus, which is the scene of Jesus's birth. This might be why the nearby steps are called Christmas Steps!
Building the Chapel
The chapel was built in 1504 by a man named John Foster. He was a very important person in Bristol at the time. Before building the chapel, he had been the local High Sheriff, the mayor, and even a member of parliament (MP) for the city.
The church was built to serve as the chapel for Foster's Almshouses. Almshouses are special homes built to provide housing for poor or elderly people. The person in charge of the almshouses, called the master, was also responsible for looking after the chapel and choosing a priest to lead services there.
Changes Over Time
The chapel has been updated and restored several times over the centuries. In 1861, its outer walls were refaced and a new roof was added by a company called Foster and Wood. More restoration work happened in 1865. During this time, special spaces were created in the walls for statues.
The three statues you see there today were designed by Ernest Pascoe. They were put in place in the 1960s. Above these statues, on the triangular part of the wall called the gable, there is a small bellcote. This is a small structure that holds a bell.
What is it Used For Now?
As of 2007, the almshouses next to the chapel were changed into private homes. The chapel is still available for the people who live in these homes to use.
See also
- Grade II* listed buildings in Bristol
- Churches in Bristol
