About

St Mary Redcliffe is a Grade-1 masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, widely recognised as one of the finest parish churches in England. During here 1574 visit to Bristol, Queen Elizabeth I is said to have called it,

“the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England.”

The church is located in the heart of Bristol between Temple Meads Railway Station and Bristol Harbourside, sitting on a spur of red sandstone cliff that gives the church its and area its name.

Redcliffe, once separate from Bristol and part of the manor of Bedminster, is an area with strong links to the sea, international trade, and industries such as glassmaking and pottery. The original quayside was just across the road from the church, below the red sandstone cliff, located on what is now Redcliffe Quay.

The earliest parts of the current church date from the late 12th century, meaning that the Christian community has worshipped here for well over 800 years. In fact, the first record of the church is in a charter made by Henry II in 1158, so we know that an earlier church once stood on the site.

The astonishing scale and beauty of St Mary Redcliffe – a parish church that is often mistaken for a cathedral - can be attributed to the wealth and power of the medieval merchants who lived and prospered on the south side of the river Avon.

The history of the church is peopled with characters associated with the maritime and mercantile history of Bristol, conflict, colonisation, politics and slavery, as well as art, literature and music.

Open to the public:
Monday to Saturday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday, 12noon – 4:30pm

Guided Tours

Guided tours, which take place on Fridays and Saturdays, can be booked here

Worship:
Daily Morning Prayer from 8.30am – 9.00am.

Midweek services: Wednesday 11.00am Holy Communion (in the Lady Chapel).

Sunday services:
8.00am Holy Communion (in church)
9.30am Choral Mattins (in church and online)
10.30am Sung Eucharist with Children's Church (in church and online)
5.30pm Choral Evensong (in church and online)

Online services can be accessed via our SMR Live webpage.

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