St Stephen's Church, Bristol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Stephen's Church, Bristol |
|
|---|---|
St Stephen's Church
|
|
 St Stephen's Church, Bristol
Location in Bristol
|
|
| 51°27′15″N 2°35′46″W / 51.454256°N 2.596146°W | |
| Location | Bristol |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed building |
| Designated | 8 January 1959 |
| Completed | 14th century |
St Stephen's Church is a very old and important church in Bristol, England. You can find it on St Stephen's Avenue. It is the main church for the city.
This church is so special that Historic England has given it a "Grade I listed building" status. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in the country and needs to be protected.
Contents
The Church's Long History
St Stephen's Church was built in the 14th century, which is over 600 years ago! It stands on the spot where an even older church from the 11th century used to be. The church was rebuilt around 1470 to look more like it does today.
The tall tower and the beautiful east window were paid for by a man named John Shipward. He was the Mayor of Bristol four times! The tower was built by a skilled stonemason called Benedict Crosse.
How the River Shaped the Church
The church was originally built right next to the River Frome. In the 1240s, this river was moved to help create Bristol Harbour. This made the area around the church an important place for ships and trade.
Changes Over the Years
Over the centuries, the church has had some repairs. For example, after a big storm in 1703, the upper windows (called the clerestory) had to be fixed. Later, in 1873, the side aisles and east windows were restored.
The church tower is about 18 feet by 20 feet at its base and stands 152 feet tall. It's a typical style for churches in Somerset, but it also has a special "Gloucestershire crown" at the top. This crown is made of fancy arches, pointy decorations called pinnacles, and open stonework.
The tower originally had six bells. Over time, these bells were replaced, and now there are twelve bells!
Treasures from Another Church
Some special items in St Stephen's Church came from another church called St Nicholas. That church was damaged during the Bristol Blitz (bombings in World War II). These items include a 15th-century brass eagle lectern (a stand for reading) and an iron sword rest made around 1710 by William Edney.
A Future Prime Minister's Connection
In 1885, a young man named Ramsay MacDonald worked at St Stephen's Church. He was helping a clergyman named Mordaunt Crofton start a club for boys and young men. It was in Bristol that Ramsay MacDonald joined his first political group. He later moved to London and became the first Labour Party Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The St Stephen's Bell Ringers
The St Stephen's Ringers are a group of people who have been ringing the church bells continuously since 1574! That's a very long time. They still meet every year for a special dinner at The Red Lodge.
Important Tombs and Monuments
St Stephen's Church is also home to several interesting tombs and monuments. These tell stories of people who lived long ago.
Famous Burials
- Edmund Blanket: He was a cloth maker and wool merchant in the 14th century. His tomb is on the north side of the church.
- Arnaq and Kalicho: These two people were among the first North Americans to visit Britain. They were brought here by explorer Martin Frobisher in 1577 and sadly died within months of arriving. They were buried at this church.
- Martin Pring: He was a navigator, explorer, and merchant who died in 1627. He was only 46 years old. Martin Pring discovered what we now call Cape Cod Bay in America. His monument is decorated with painted mermaids and mermen, and it has verses about his adventures.
- Sir Walter Tyddesley: He died in 1385 and has a fancy tomb in the church.
- Sir George Snigge: He also has an ornate tomb in the church.
- Robert Kitchin: He died in 1594. He is remembered on a plaque on the wall. Robert Kitchin was famous for donating one of the bronze "nails" (special counting tables for merchants) that you can still see outside The Exchange building in Bristol.
Church Records
The old records for St Stephen's Church are kept at Bristol Archives. These include lists of baptisms, marriages, and burials. They also have records about the church leaders, churchwardens, and charities connected to the church. You can even look at some of these records online!
