Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 Christmas Steps. This chapel is considered very important, so it has been given a special status as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a building of more than special interest and is protected.
The name "Three Kings of Cologne" refers to the Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men. These were the important visitors who brought gifts to baby Jesus. The chapel's name is a nod to the famous Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany. One of the chapel's windows shows the nativity of Jesus, which is the story of Jesus's birth. This scene might even be why the nearby street is called Christmas Steps!
History of the Chapel
Building the Chapel
The Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne was built in 1504. A man named John Foster was responsible for its construction. John Foster was a very important person in Bristol during his time. He had served as the local High Sheriff, which was a royal official. He was also the mayor of Bristol and a member of parliament (MP) for the city. An MP is someone elected to represent their area in the country's government.
The chapel was built to serve as a place of worship for Foster's Almshouses. Almshouses were 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. They also chose the priest who would lead services there.
Changes Over Time
The chapel has been updated and repaired many times over the centuries. In 1861, its outer walls were redone, and a new roof was added by a company called Foster and Wood. More restoration work happened in 1865. This work included creating special spaces, called niches, where statues could be placed.
The three statues you see there today were designed by an artist named Ernest Pascoe. They were put into place in the 1960s. Above these statues, on the triangular part of the wall called the gable, there is a small tower that holds a bell. This small tower is known as a bellcote.
Current Use of the Chapel
The chapel is still in use today. The buildings next to it, which were once Foster's Almshouses, have been changed into private homes. This happened some time ago. The Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne is now available for the people who live in these homes to use. It continues to be a special and historic place in Bristol.
