St Peter's Church, Castle Park, Bristol facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St Peter's church
St Peter's Church from Bristol Bridge
General information
Town or city	Bristol
Country	England
Coordinates	51°27′19″N 2°35′23″W / 51.4553°N 2.5897°W / 51.4553; -2.5897
Completed	12th century

St Peter's Church is an old church in Castle Park, Bristol, England. It was badly damaged during World War II and is now kept as a special memorial. It helps us remember the people who lost their lives in Bristol during the war.

This picture was taken around 1925. You can see buildings from the old Bristol Castle area. Many of these were bombed during the Bristol Blitz, which created Castle Park.

A Look Back: The Church's History

The story of St Peter's Church began a very long time ago, in 1106. At that time, it was given to Tewkesbury Abbey, a famous monastery. The church's lower tower was built in the 12th century. Most of the rest of the church was built much later, in the 15th century.

In 1975, people dug around the church and found some interesting things. They think this spot might have been where Bristol's very first church stood. They also found that the old city wall from the 12th century runs right under the west side of the church.

The Bristol Blitz and Its Impact

During World War II, many cities in England were bombed. Bristol was hit hard during something called the Bristol Blitz. On November 24 and 25, 1940, St Peter's Church was bombed and ruined.

Today, the church is not rebuilt. Instead, it is kept as a monument. It reminds everyone of the regular people in Bristol who died during the war.

This photo shows the church after it was badly damaged by bombs on November 24-25, 1940.

What is a Listed Building?

St Peter's Church has been named a Grade II* listed building by English Heritage. This means it is a very important historic building. It is protected so that its special history and design can be preserved for the future.

St Peter's Hospital

The church also used to be connected to St Peter's Hospital. This hospital was actually a workhouse. A workhouse was a place where poor people could live and work in exchange for food and shelter. This hospital was located between the church and the Floating Harbour. Sadly, it was also destroyed by bombing during the Bristol Blitz.

More to Explore

• Churches in Bristol
• Grade II* listed buildings in Bristol