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:
1. St John on the Wall
St John on the Wall is no longer in use for regular worship and is open to the public on Wednesdays from 11am to 2pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm subject to volunteer availability.
2. West Gallery
The west gallery, dating from the 17th century, was moved back by one bay in 1883 when the current organ, by Vowles of Bristol, replaced an earlier instrument of 1843, and features paintings of seven apostles, with St John the Baptist occupying the central position.
3. A Medieval Merchant City
Located in the crypt, the display gives some background to the architecture of the building and includes items representative of the merchant's history.
4. About John Taylor
The information board at the upper church talks about John Taylor, a merchant who was Churchwarden at St John's or who served as Councillor (1624 to 1645), Alderman (1640 to 1645), Sheriff (1625 to 1626) Mayor (1640 to 1641) and as Warden (1622 to 1623) and Treasurer (1626 to 1627)of the Society of Merchant Venturers. The information board outlines his involvement during the Civil War between Parliament and King Charles I.