St Stephen's Church, Bristol

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

St Stephen's Church
St Stephen's Church
Building Information
Location	Bristol
Country	England
Completion Date	14th century

St Stephen's Church in St Stephens Avenue, is the parish church for the city of Bristol, England.

It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade I listed building.^[1]

Contents 1 History 2 Tombs and monuments 3 References 4 See also

[edit] History

It was built, on the site of an 11th century church, in the 14th century and rebuilt around 1470. The tower and east window were paid for by John Shipward, Mayor of Bristol in the 1480s. The tower being built by the mason Benedict (or Benet) Crosse. The site was on the banks of the River Frome which was diverted at around this time to create Bristol Harbour.^[2] The clerestory was repaired after a storm in 1703. The aisle and east windows were restored in 1873.

The tower measures approximately 18ft by 20ft at its base, and rises to a total height of 152ft. It originally contained six beels but these have been replaced over the years and the number increased to twelve.^[3]

The 15th century brass eagle lectern and iron sword rest by William Edney in about 1710 were moved to St Stephens from St Nicholas church which was damaged in the Bristol Blitz.^[4]

[edit] Tombs and monuments

Edmund Blanket a 14th century clothier and wool merchant has a tomb on the the north side of the church. There is "speculation" he invented the bed covering of that name.

Another significant tomb is that of Martin Pring who died at the age of 46 in 1627. He was a navigator, explorer and merchant and discovered what is now called Cape Cod Bay.

Sir Walter Tyddesley who died in 1385 and Sir George Snygge also have ornate tombs in the church.

Also commemorated, but this time in a wall-mounted plaque is Robert Kitchin, who died in 1594, a donor of one of the famous 'nails' found outside The Exchange in Bristol.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Grade I listed buildings in Bristol