Discover Temple Church Bristol
At Temple Church Bristol, history and architecture, including a bit of an unexpected lean, come together to create one of the city’s most intriguing landmarks! However, it is often overshadowed by the city's more well-known attractions. A visit to the church unearths a compelling glimpse into Bristol's medieval past, with its roots tracing back to the legendary Knights Templar.
Over time, new chapels were added, and grand stained-glass windows illuminated the interiors. However, the church's journey was far from smooth. The Reformation in the 16th century saw the dissolution of monastic orders, leading to the transfer of the church to Bristol Corporation and sparking tensions within the local community. Today, the ruins of Temple Church stand as a scheduled monument under the care of English Heritage.
Temple Church Bristol and the Knights Templar
The history of Temple Church Bristol goes all the way back to the 12th century when it was established by none other than the legendary Knights Templar—yes, the same ones you’ve seen in movies. These warrior monks, famed for their exploits in the Crusades and their mysterious aura, received the land from Robert, Earl of Gloucester, sometime before his passing in 1147.
The original church built by the Templars was round, like the famous rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This architectural choice wasn't about aesthetics—it was a homage to their spiritual roots and a symbol of their mission. The church was dedicated to the Holy Cross, inspired by the sacred relics of the 'True Cross' housed in Jerusalem.
Archaeological digs in the 20th century uncovered remnants of the Templar hall and church foundations, which are now marked with gravel inside the current church's nave. Although initially serving as a monastic place of worship, the church quickly became a means for the Templar to manage their extensive landholdings in the south-west.
After the Templar order met its dramatic downfall in the early 1300s, the Knights Hospitaller, along with local parishioners and Bristol's Weavers' Guild, took charge of the church's evolution. During this transformation stained-glass windows, new chapels, and a spectacular timber roof was added.
Temple Church Bristol and the Reformation
Temple Church wasn't spared from the religious rollercoaster of the Reformation. In 1540, the Hospitallers were ousted thanks to Henry VIII's dissolution of monasteries, and by 1544, the church had landed in the hands of Bristol Corporation.
Some parishioners welcomed the shift, while others, like one particularly vocal weaver named Richard Sharpe, didn't hold back in their opposition. Sharpe's outburst against Catholic traditions during Mass led to his execution and earned the church's chancel door the nickname "Martyr's Door."
World War II and the Bristol Blitz
The most defining moment in Temple Church's modern history came during the Bristol Blitz in November 1940. German bombers unleashed devastation on the city, and Temple Church was caught in the inferno. The once-grand structure was reduced to a haunting shell, its historic records lost in the cellar fires. However, several precious artefacts, like the 15th century brass chandelier, managed to survive the destruction and found a new home in the Bristol Cathedral.
Instead of demolishing the remaining structure, authorities recognised the historical significance of the Temple Church ruins. In 1955, the Ministry of Works negotiated its stabilisation and preservation.
Church Architecture and the Leaning Tower of Bristol
Temple Church has a mix of architectural styles. The original round nave, characteristic of Templar design, was later replaced by a traditional rectangular nave with aisles, blending Norman and Gothic styles in an elegant (if slightly wonky) combination.
Over the years, additional chapels were added—St Katherine's Chapel to the north (a gift to Bristol’s weavers' guild from Edward I in 1299) and another to the south, featuring Perpendicular windows from the 15th century. The church’s most famous feature is its leaning west tower.
Construction of the bell tower began around 1390, but unfortunately, the soft ground beneath had other ideas. The tower developed a noticeable lean early on, causing no small amount of concern among the parishioners—move over Pisa, Bristol's Temple Church has its own leaning tower!
Generous donations poured in, and by the mid-1400s (between 1441 and 1460), the builders had attempted a clever fix: constructing the upper section straight on top of the leaning base. Today, towering at 114 feet, the top leans an impressive 5 feet 5 inches from the vertical, making it a quirky feature of Bristol's skyline.
Becoming a Scheduled Monument
Temple Church holds a special place in England's heritage, being the first parish church acquired by the Ministry of Works. Today, it is under the care of English Heritage and dually protected as a Grade II* listed building and a scheduled monument.
The 2021-2023 restoration project, costing around £1 million, allowed the church to reopen to the public for the first time in over 30 years. Thanks to these efforts, visitors can now explore this fascinating space up close and appreciate its unique place in Bristol’s history.
Features of Temple Church Bristol
Beyond its leaning tower, Temple Church has other interesting features:
- Historical Archives: Despite wartime destruction, some parish records survived and are housed at the Bristol Archives. These include baptism, marriage, and burial registers, giving insights into centuries of Bristol's community life.
- Temple Gardens: Surrounding the church are tranquil gardens, featuring lime trees, copper beeches, and well-maintained flower beds. Perfect for a peaceful stroll, the gardens provide a picturesque backdrop to the striking ruins.
- Medieval Ruins: Explore the remnants of chapels, intricate stonework, and towering arches that hint at the church’s former grandeur.
- Sanctum Performance Event: In 2015, the church hosted ‘Sanctum,’ created by artist Theaster Gates and art group Situations. The event was a 24-day, non-stop performance event featuring music, spoken word, and art.
- Bristol Light Festival: Temple Church lit up the cityscape in 2023, celebrating its reopening with dazzling displays and community events.
Interesting Fact: During ‘Sanctum’, salvaged materials from around Bristol were used to create a dynamic atmosphere that celebrated the city’s spirit during its time as the European Green Capital.
Visiting Temple Church Bristol
Planning a visit to Temple Church? Good news—it’s open to the public every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, so you’ve got plenty of time to soak up the beauty and history. If you’re heading over for a tour, don’t forget to take a stroll through the gardens, exploring the graveyard with its remaining headstones and memorials.
Explore Beyond Temple Church Bristol with CityDays
And hey, if you’re up for more adventure, why not explore beyond Temple Church and discover even more of Bristol with CityDays?
Our Bristol Treasure Hunt tours bring the secrets of Bristol to life in a fun and interactive way, so you can uncover the beauty of the city whilst exploring its often overlooked places of interest such as Banksy’s mural-lined streets and flourishing Victorian gardens.
Along the way, you and your teammates will receive clues on your phones that, once deciphered, will guide you to interesting and scenic parts of the city, including lots of rest stops at cafes, bars, and pubs so you can refresh and make the most of your day!
The Painted City Hunt is an ideal trail for locals, visitors and anyone looking to make the most of this unique and fascinating area. We think you’ll love it but for more information on this tour, and our other Bristol adventures click here: Bristol Treasure & Scavenger Hunts | CityDays.
