The stunning and serene Grade 1 listed church dates from the 12th century and is used as a Roman Catholic Church, with Holy Mass celebrated at 8am on Sundays and Eucharistic Adoration from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
St James' Priory Church was founded by the Earl of Gloucester and illegitimate grandson of William the Conqueror, Robert Fitzroy, in 1129 and has been used as a place of worship for almost 900 years.
At first, the church was home to 11 or 12 monks and Prior who lived under the rule of the Benedictine Abbey of Tewkesbury.
In the 14th century, the parishioners financed the building of the church tower.
During the reign of Henry VIII, The Priory was dissolved, and many of its buildings were demolished. Only the west end survived as a smaller parish church, still used for worship today.
The church continues to offer a haven of serenity and peace for the community. It also provides charitable support for vulnerable people in recovery from drug and alcohol dependency and those with mental health problems.
St James' Priory is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 7.30am to 9.30am.
Scroll through for photos of our visit to St James Priory Church
1. St James Priory Church
The stunning and serene Grade 1 listed church on the Horsefair dates from the 12th century and is used as a Roman Catholic Church, with Holy Mass celebrated at 8am on Sundays and Eucharistic Adoration from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. St James' Priory is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 7.30am to 9.30am. | National World
2. Blue Glass
The display has been intentionally placed along the wall on the north aisle of the church which leads to the Sanctuary. the first glass panel highlights the core values of the charity: compassion, acceptance, respect and empathy. Moving towards the Sanctuary, the shards of glass merge together to show the process of restoration. The golden thread shows lives being gently "stitched" together. The last glass reveals the "togetherness healing" and the Latin words on the glass are a reflection of the prayers of the original Priory Benedictine Monks of the 12th Century. | National World
3. Cafe
Santiago's is located on St James Priory and is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm and offers some of the cheapest prices for a home-cooked meal in the city. Their homely menu includes Bristol Breakfast for £3.95 and Big Bristol Breakfast for £5.95, A Jacket Potato with a side salad for £4.95, Roast Chicken for £5.95, Beef or Chicken Kerala Curry for £7.45, Soups for £2.95 and paninis for £2.75 as well as a wide range of cold and hot drinks. | National World
4. Church Roof
The information board discusses the key conservation and repair work that was done to the church roof. | National World