We visit the stunning ancient Bristol church most people in the city have never even spotted

St John on the Wall was intended as a place for travellers to say prayers before setting off on a journey

St John on the Wall Church is the only one standing out of five medieval churches built into the old city walls and was intended as a place for travellers to say prayers before setting off on a journey.

Located on Broad Street, the 14th-century church was built on the site of a church dating as early as AD1100 during a time when the city of Bristol was one of the wealthiest trading centres in England, and was founded by Walter Frampton who was mayor of the city three times.

The west gallery was erected in the late 17th century and relocated further west when an organ was installed in 1883.

The fountain at the north of the church was fed from a medieval conduit pipe used as a water supply by the Carmelite friary on this site in the 14th century and is said that in the past, during election time, it was sometimes made to run with wine.

St John on the Wall is no longer in use for regular worship and is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The entrance to the upper church can be accessed via Broad Street and the entrance to the crypt via a small door on Quay Street/Nelson Street.

They are open to the public on Wednesdays from 11am to 2pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm subject to volunteer availability.

St John on the Wall Church, Broad Street, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 2EZ.

Here are 27 photos from our visit to St John on the Wall:

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