Cotham Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cotham Parish Church |
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| Church of St Saviour with St Mary, Cotham | |
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 Cotham Parish Church
Location in Bristol
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| 51°27′45″N 2°36′01″W / 51.4625°N 2.6002°W | |
| OS grid reference | ST584739 |
| Location | Cotham Road, Cotham, Bristol, |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Previous denomination | Congregational |
| Churchmanship | Liberal Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Architect(s) | William Butterfield |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1842–1843 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Cotham St Saviour with St Mary |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Bristol |
| Diocese | Diocese of Bristol |
Cotham Church is a beautiful old church in Cotham, Bristol, England. It was built in a style called Gothic Revival, which means it looks like churches from the Middle Ages. Since 1975, it has been a Church of England parish church. Its full name is the Church of St Saviour with St Mary, but most people just call it Cotham Parish Church.
Contents
History of Cotham Church
Highbury Chapel: The Beginning
Cotham Church started out as a different kind of church called Highbury Congregational Chapel. It was built in 1842 and opened in July 1843. The land for the church was given by Richard Nash.
The architect who designed it was William Butterfield. This was his very first big project! He got the job because his family knew William Day Wills, who was famous for his tobacco company, W. D. & H. O. Wills. Another important person, Henry Overton Wills II, was a main leader of the chapel for many years.
A Special Location
The church was built in a place once known as 'Gallows Field'. This was a spot where public executions used to happen a long time ago. The gallows were moved in 1820. A stone from an old cross, called Bewell's Cross, is now part of the church's boundary wall. There is a plaque above it.
The area also has a sad history. In the 1550s, some people known as 'Marian Martyrs' were burned nearby for their religious beliefs. There is a special memorial to them on the outside wall of the church and another one inside.
Why the Name 'Highbury'?
The name 'Highbury Chapel' probably came from Highbury College, London, a very important college for nonconformist churches in London at that time. The chapel's first minister had studied there. The name 'Highbury' became popular in the area. You can still see it in names like Highbury Villas and the Highbury Vaults pub.
Growing the Congregation
The chapel opened for worship in July 1843 with just 21 people. They had different preachers visit them. In July 1844, the Rev. David Thomas became the first official minister. He stayed until 1875. He was a very important leader in the Congregational Union of England and Wales.
During his time, the chapel grew a lot. This was partly because Rev. Thomas was a great preacher. Also, more homes and businesses were being built in the area. In 1863, the church was made bigger by Edward William Godwin. They added a rounded end (called an apse), a tower, side sections (transepts), and rooms for the clergy (vestries). They also built a school with a lecture room and three classrooms. These changes meant the church could now seat 700 people!
When Rev. David Thomas passed away in 1875, his son, Arnold Thomas, took over as minister. Arnold Thomas was also very well-known. Like his father, he became Chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. He even had a good relationship with the Bishop and Dean of Bristol. In 1918, they invited him to lead prayers at Bristol Cathedral. This was a special service to celebrate the end of World War I.
Becoming an Anglican Church
In 1972, the Congregational Union of England and Wales changed. Some parts joined the United Reformed Church, and others went their own way.
In 1975, the Church of England bought Highbury Chapel. They changed it into an Anglican church. That's why it's now called the Church of St Saviour with St Mary, or Cotham Parish Church. It is part of the Diocese of Bristol. The church follows a tradition within the Church of England called Liberal Catholic.
Cotham Church is considered a very important historical building. It has been given a special status by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a building of more than special interest.
See also
- Churches in Bristol
- Grade II* listed buildings in Bristol
