List of churches in Bristol facts for kids
The city of Bristol in England is home to many churches. Over time, Bristol has changed, rebuilt, or even removed many of its old medieval churches. These older churches had a special style, often called "Perpendicular style." Some examples of these include the Church of St Thomas the Martyr and Temple Church. The Church of St Philip and St Jacob still gives us an idea of what this Bristol style looked like, even though it has been changed a lot.
You can also find a list of churches that no longer exist in Bristol. Most of the churches listed here belong to the Church of England, unless it says otherwise.
Contents
Exploring Bristol's Historic Churches
Bristol has a rich history, and its churches are a big part of that story. Many of them are very old, dating back hundreds of years. Some have been rebuilt after being damaged, for example, during wars.
Famous Churches and Cathedrals
Bristol is home to some truly impressive churches. These buildings are not just places of worship; they are also important historical landmarks.
Bristol Cathedral: A Grand Old Building
The Bristol Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, started being built around 1140. It is located in College Square. This cathedral is a very important building and is listed as Grade I, meaning it has special historical or architectural interest.
St Mary Redcliffe: A Masterpiece of Design
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St Mary Redcliffe is another famous church in Bristol. Its construction began in the late 12th century. It is known for its stunning architecture and is also a Grade I listed building. Many people consider it one of the most beautiful parish churches in England.
St John the Baptist: Church on the Wall
The Church of St John the Baptist is unique because it is built right over one of Bristol's old city gates. It was first founded before 1174, but the church you see today was mostly built between 1350 and 1500. It even has a special water pipe that has brought water from Brandon Hill since 1374. It is a Grade I listed building.
Other Notable Churches in Bristol
Beyond the most famous ones, Bristol has many other churches with interesting stories and designs.
All Saints Church: From Worship to Education
All Saints Church dates back to the 12th century, though much of it was rebuilt in the 18th century. Today, it serves as a Diocesan Education Centre, helping people learn. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Temple Church: A Ruined Landmark
Temple Church, also known as Holy Cross Church, was originally built by the Knights Templar in 1150. It was badly damaged by bombs in 1940 during World War II and is now a ruin. It is a Grade II* listed building.
St Peter's Church: A War Memorial
St Peter's Church in Castle Park was originally a Saxon church. It was also bombed in 1940 and is now a ruin. It is kept as a special monument to remember the people of Bristol who died during the war.
New Room: John Wesley's Chapel
The New Room, also known as John Wesley's Chapel, was built in 1739 by John Wesley, a very important figure in the Methodist movement. It is a Grade I listed building.
Churches with Special Stories
Some churches have unique histories or serve different communities.
Arley Chapel: A Polish Catholic Church
Arley Chapel, also called the Polish Church of Our Lady of Ostrobrama, was built in 1855. It is a Roman Catholic church that serves the Polish community in Bristol. It is a Grade II listed building.
Clifton Cathedral: A Modern Catholic Church
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Clifton Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral church of St Peter and Paul. It was built more recently, between 1970 and 1973, and has a more modern design.
Eastern Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God
This church was built in 1888 in Clifton. It is home to Bristol's oldest Orthodox community. They hold services in English, Russian, and Romanian.
St Andrew's, Clifton: A Church Lost to War
The old St Andrew's Church in Clifton was first mentioned in 1154. A new church was built in 1822. Sadly, this new church was bombed during the Bristol Blitz in World War II and was finally taken down in 1956.
St John the Baptist, Bedminster: Rebuilt Many Times
The original St John the Baptist church in Bedminster was recorded in 1003. It was destroyed in 1645 during the English Civil War. A new church was built, but it was also taken down in 1854 for an even newer one. This latest church was damaged by bombs in 1940.
Churches Now Used Differently
Some former churches in Bristol have found new purposes.
Emanuel Court: A Church Tower Now Flats
Emanuel Court in Clifton was built in 1869. Today, its church tower has been turned into apartments. It is a Grade II listed building.
Glenside Museum: A Former Hospital Chapel
The building that now houses the Glenside Museum in Fishponds was originally a hospital chapel, built in 1861. It is a Grade II listed building.
St James' Presbyterian Church: Offices and a Tower
St James' Presbyterian Church of England in Horsefair was bombed and destroyed on November 24, 1940. Only its tower remains, and the main part of the church is now offices.
St John's Place: From Church to Offices
St John's Place in Clifton was built in 1841. It is now used as offices. It is a Grade II listed building.
St Michael on the Mount Without: A Disused Church
St Michael on the Mount Without was built in the 15th century. It is no longer used as a church. It is a Grade II* listed building.
St Nicholas, Bristol: A Museum and a Reopened Church
St Nicholas Church was first built before 1154. The current church was rebuilt between 1762 and 1769. Its inside was destroyed by bombing in 1940. It was rebuilt in the 1970s as a church museum. In 2018, it was restored and reopened as a church again. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Images for kids
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St. Augustine's Church, Whitchurch, Bristol
St. Augustine's Church, Whitchurch, Bristol.
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Bishopston Methodist Church
Bishopston Methodist Church.
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Bristol Community Church
Bristol Community Church.
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Carmel Christian Centre
Carmel Christian Centre.
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Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne
Chapel of the Three Kings of Cologne.
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Church of All Hallows
Church of All Hallows.
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Counterslip Baptist Church
Counterslip Baptist Church.
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Crofts End Church
Crofts End Church.
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Crossnet Bristol
Crossnet Bristol.
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Eastern Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God
Eastern Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God.
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Emanuel Court
Emanuel Court.
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FaithSPACE
faithSPACE.
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Life Community Church Bristol
Life Community Church Bristol.
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New Covenant Church Bristol
New Covenant Church Bristol.
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New Life Church Bristol
New Life Church Bristol.
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Oasis Church South Bristol
Oasis Church South Bristol.
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Severn Vineyard Church
Severn Vineyard Church.
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St Aidan
St Aidan.
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St Alban, Redland, Bristol
St Alban, Redland.
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St Bonaventure's Church.
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St David's Welsh Anglican Church Feeder Road
St David's Welsh Anglican Church Feeder Road.
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St Ewen's Church, Old City.
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Church of St Jude the Apostle with St Matthias-on-the-Weir
Church of St Jude the Apostle with St Matthias-on-the-Weir.
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St Luke's Church, Barton Hill, Bristol
St Luke's Church, Barton Hill.
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St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop
St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop.
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St Mary, Fishponds
St Mary, Fishponds.
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St Mary, Shirehampton
St Mary, Shirehampton.
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St Peter and St Paul, Bristol
St Peter and St Paul, Bristol.
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Victoria Methodist Church
Victoria Methodist Church.
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Wick United Reformed Church
Wick United Reformed Church.
See also
- Buildings and architecture of Bristol
