St Stephen's, Bristol
Tucked away from one of the main thoroughfares of Bristol, St Stephen's church could be easily missed were it not for its splendid late medieval tower which asserts itself on the skyline of the city above the neighbouring rooftops. It is a most handsome example of the sort of extravagantly decorated church towers more commonly found in nearby Somerset and dates to the latter part of the 15th century. The exterior of the church is otherwise a little difficult to appreciate being so hemmed in by surrounding buildings.
Within the church is very light, thanks to the generously proportioned clerestorey, and stylistically is all of a piece, having been rebuilt in the 1470s. Due to the limitations of the site there is no structurally defined chancel, instead the nave appears to continue unbroken to the east wall, where the sanctuary is defined more by its furnishings.
There are several items of note here, a multitude of memorials line the walls but the most interesting are the medieval tombs with effigies in the north aisle and a large Jacobean tomb to the south. The eagle lectern is a fine example of medieval metalwork and was brought here from St Nicholas's church after it suffered wartime damage.
I didn't have a lot of time left to explore this church so my shots are handheld and not the best, but happily it will be easy to revisit as it is normally kept open and welcoming to visitors.
St Stephen's, Bristol
Tucked away from one of the main thoroughfares of Bristol, St Stephen's church could be easily missed were it not for its splendid late medieval tower which asserts itself on the skyline of the city above the neighbouring rooftops. It is a most handsome example of the sort of extravagantly decorated church towers more commonly found in nearby Somerset and dates to the latter part of the 15th century. The exterior of the church is otherwise a little difficult to appreciate being so hemmed in by surrounding buildings.
Within the church is very light, thanks to the generously proportioned clerestorey, and stylistically is all of a piece, having been rebuilt in the 1470s. Due to the limitations of the site there is no structurally defined chancel, instead the nave appears to continue unbroken to the east wall, where the sanctuary is defined more by its furnishings.
There are several items of note here, a multitude of memorials line the walls but the most interesting are the medieval tombs with effigies in the north aisle and a large Jacobean tomb to the south. The eagle lectern is a fine example of medieval metalwork and was brought here from St Nicholas's church after it suffered wartime damage.
I didn't have a lot of time left to explore this church so my shots are handheld and not the best, but happily it will be easy to revisit as it is normally kept open and welcoming to visitors.